We certainly have experienced a winter wonderland in northern Michigan as the year ended and now in this new year, warmer temperatures mean all that snow becomes water, ice and potentially mud.
Those conditions can bring obstacles to our New Year’s resolutions about getting and staying more active.
Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital orthopedic surgeon Mark D’Angleo, D.O. shares that his office sees a large number of patients with injuries this time of year from trips and falls.
“Fractured wrists, ankles and hips are the most common ones that patients sustain and some of the injuries, particularly hip fractures can have a huge impact on a patient’s lifestyle,” Dr. D’Angelo said. “Using common sense, avoiding particularly slippery surfaces when possible and walking carefully and slowly on those surfaces , can keep patients out of the emergency department.”
With the fluctuating temperatures and many of you planning to get in better shape and stay active, it’s important to do so safely. Runners and walkers need to be cautious and choose their footwear wisely, such as using non-slip devices like Yaktrax on their shoes or boots if there is the potential for ice. Skiers and snowboarders need to use caution when slopes become icy in the warmer conditions and make sure their edges are sharpened and wear proper protective gear.
Often this time of year, public places, such as grocery stores and malls sometimes have slippery floors indoors from the water being tracked inside. This can lead to falls and potentially broken bones.
When mishaps such as falls or sports injuries do occur, it’s important to seek care. When someone comes to the Manistee Hospital ER with a potential fracture, dislocation, tendon or muscle tear, local orthopedic specialists such as Dr. D’Angleo, and his colleague Robert Barry, M.D. have the medical expertise to help patients heal and return to activity.
Orthopedic surgeons are trained to deal with trauma that occurs from a fall, as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. If you fall on your shoulder while running or skiing, or a fall brings pain to your hip or back – they are the team you need to see.
For those who are prone to put off exercise because the winter weather, please understand that walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your physical fitness and prevent falls. Walkers not only strengthen their body but can reap other benefits, including:
- Strengthening heart and lungs.
- Maintaining your bone density and preventing brittle bones/osteoporosis.
- Reducing your chances of any muscle, bone and joint injury that more high-impact sports can lead to.
- Improving your cholesterol and lowering your risk of heart disease.
- Controlling your blood sugar.
- Promoting sleep, relaxation and stress management.
- Improvement in memory.
Talk with your primary care physicians about how much walking is right for your current activity level and heart health. Then, keep your New Year’s resolution and get active.
Just do it safely.
Brian McComb, D.O. is the Munson Healthcare chief medical officer for South Region. His office can be reached at 231-398-1840.
