Six Tips for Winter Safety.
Careful on Ladders
Each year at Bluemont Plastic Surgery, we take care of a several of people who fall from ladders. Please be careful when putting up holiday lights. Consider hiring some local contractors to do it. Those young guys are good with ladders, and want the work!
Fingers Don’t Like Snow Blowers
Snowblowers are powered by internal combustion engines. When a snow blower becomes clogged by snow, it will have enough compression for one more crank. This is true even when the snow blower is off! So never put your hand in a snow blower, even to unclog it, even it it’s off! Your fingers will thank you.
New Years
Thankfully many people use taxis, uber, or designated drivers on New Years. But drinking has its risks beyond driving. Interpersonal violence is often associated with alcohol. Last year we treated several people injured in this way.
Depression
The winter months have short days. Depression is a surprisingly common disease, which our society has finally starting to talk about. The national suicide prevention hotline is 1-800-273-8255 and their website is https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Gym
The New Years is a great time to start a new workout routine. However, make sure to be safe. Use a spotter when challenging yourself. Every so often, weights may fall on somebody’s face or crush one’s fingers. Be careful!
Icy Sidewalks
Falling on ice is dangerous, enough said. Check out Microspikes and Yaktrax cleats. These products have found a following in the trail-running community.
