Safety Tips for Area Residents
from Sam Englender, Physician Assistant at Hamilton Community Health Network Main Clinic
The weekend finally brought winter to Michigan. Now that we have been shoveled out and now coping with the ice and cold, one of Hamilton’s newest primary care providers at the Main Clinic, Sam Englender, Physician Assistant, offers a few safety tips to navigate walking on slippery sidewalks when getting around the city:
- Mind Your Steps: Walk carefully in designated paths, avoiding climbing through snow piles. Wear flat shoes to get a flat-footed stance and improved stability.
- Hands-Free Balance: Grab some gloves rather than putting your hands in your pockets. This gives you a lower center of gravity and helps with your balance.
- Balanced Arms: Extend arms for balance while walking, especially if carrying a load.
- Caution on Icy Spots: When you see dark wet pavement, assume it is slippery. Try to avoid it but if you cannot use extra caution while walking on it.
- Steady on Stairs: When climbing stairs, use the hand railings and plant feet firmly on the steps for stability.
- Careful Entry/Exit: When entering a vehicle use it for support, reducing the risk of slipping. Grab onto the door or roof to help steady yourself.
- Shuffle for Stability: Adjust your normal walk to take short steps or shuffle. This will give you more stability and make it easier to cross any ice.
- Watch Your Surroundings: Beware of vehicles that may be sliding at intersections before attempting to cross any street. Once you’re crossing, watch for the changes in pavement and avoid any snow or ice piled up along the edges of the road.
Englender emphasizes these tips for area residents to reduce winter walking risks. If you suffer a fall or injury Sam reminds everyone to contact your medical provider, and in severe cases, call 911 for immediate assistance.
Sam is excited to be part of the primary care team at Hamilton’s Main Clinic at 2900 N. Saginaw Street in Flint. Call 810-406-4246 to schedule an appointment with him.
Stay safe during our beautiful winter season.
