You in a Long Padding Are at Risk... More Vulnerable to Fall Accidents

Freeing Your Stride and Movement
Wear Gloves and Scarves Instead of Putting Hands in Pockets
If You Fall, Check the Area and Visit the Hospital Quickly

As a severe cold wave arrives, snow has accumulated on sidewalks everywhere. When the snow freezes, icy paths are created, making falls and accidents likely. Especially, walking on snowy paths with thick clothing like long padded jackets and hands in pockets can cause falls.

A citizen is moving to avoid the snow near the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Heavy and bulky long padded jackets... Wear gloves and scarves and stretch muscles to loosen up

Long padded jackets have become a popular winter wear due to their convenience and excellent heat retention.

However, their length extends below the knees, restricting stride freedom. Most long padded jackets are heavy and have closed sides at the bottom, limiting walking movement. This greatly restricts movement and slows reactions if slipping on icy paths.

When walking wearing a long padded jacket, to reduce the risk of falling, it is recommended to unzip or unbutton the leg zippers and buttons of the jacket to allow freer movement, and wear gloves instead of putting hands in pockets to maintain balance.

Also, wearing a scarf to loosen the neck and shoulders tightened by the cold is beneficial. When walking on icy paths, reduce your stride by 10-20% compared to usual and walk slowly. Additionally, stretching before going out to loosen stiff muscles is one of the preventive measures.

Elderly and patients are more vulnerable... Lean body and face forward and go to hospital quickly if there is pain

Falls in winter occur across all age groups, but they are especially critical for the elderly with weak waist and knee joints. This is because falls can easily cause fractures in the hip, spine, hands, and ankles, and in severe cases, lead to complications.

For the elderly and patients, it is safer to walk using a cane with rubber packing attached.

If a fall occurs due to slippery icy paths and momentary carelessness, not putting your arms backward when falling can reduce injuries.

When falling, it is better to bend your knees and sit down on the spot, and lean your body and face forward to shift your center of gravity forward to prevent concussion.

Quickly check the painful area, and if the pain is severe, moving immediately can lead to secondary injuries, so it is best to get help from people nearby or visit a hospital promptly.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.