Newsletter

It’s that time everyone, winter in New England! It is time to get out your skis, snowboards and sleds and hit the slopes. Oh and let’s not forget your shovels, snow blowers and rock salt for your snowy and icy treks to work. Although the piling snow is beautiful, it brings along some messy situations. This is the perfect season for slips, falls and other accidents with snow overlaying ice on your ski slopes, walkways and driveways or black ice covering the roadways.

Whether you are going on a weekend ski trip or heading outside to shovel your walkway, check the weather conditions before leaving home. Know what type of snow you are dealing with prior to shoveling or even prior to skiing. If it is heavy, compact snow, shovel a small amount at a time to avoid injury to your low back or shoulders and take frequent breaks to stretch and hydrate. If the conditions are icy, be careful on those skiing and snowboarding slopes to avoid potentially harmful falls. Also, be prepared with plenty of ice melt for your walkway and driveway and in your car to avoid becoming stuck in the snow or falling which can result in other injuries to your body. Please remember, if you have animals or children at home, be certain to use an ice melt that is safe for them.

And of course, always be careful when you are driving out of your driveway and to that ski mountain. Be mindful of others on the road and always take your time.

If you do find yourself with an injury from a shoveling or skiing, ice the affected area immediately and assess the severity of the injury. If necessary see your doctor right away, otherwise continue to ice and take anti-inflammatory and/or pain medication to manage the initial trauma and keep the area moving. After several days, if the injury continues to bother you, contact one of our PIR locations for a comprehensive evaluation.