Fit and Well: Preparing for winter

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Many of us prepare for winter by checking our cars and homes, but we also need to think about our bodies.

That’s the focus of this week’s Fit and Well Idaho report.

Winter conditions require slower steps and keeping your center of gravity, much like a penguin.

Experts recommend tips to stay safe, such as using a backpack and not a shoulder bag or briefcase to keep you balanced, avoiding distractions like cell phones, and finding the right shoes can help prevent an accident.

“Just like driving your car, having good tires on your car, you want good tires on your feet,” said St. Luke’s Safety Coordinator Ashley Creek. “Essentially, you want good tread on your feet. You want to make sure you’re wearing rubber soles; you want to make sure you’re avoiding leather high-heeled worn-in shoes like that.”

Keep your hands free to brace for a fall if needed, and wear a padded jacket to add some cushion.

Allow extra time to reach your destination as it may take longer to walk on ice and snow.