“Penguin walk” recommended as icy conditions persist

LETHBRIDGE – Very slowly, the icy conditions left behind by recent snowfall have been receding. But many residential areas in particular remain difficult for people to navigate on foot.

While Alberta Health Services doesn’t have specific numbers on the injuries caused by slip-and-falls, it says such injuries do tend to increase following a thaw-freeze cycle.

“We see a significant number of concussions as well as wrist, shoulder and hip fractures due to falls on the ice,” an AHS spokesperson said. “These injuries can have a major impact on people’s lives.”

The agency has been promoting the “penguin walk” as a way to avoid falling. The idea is to keep your centre of gravity over your feet, while taking smaller steps.