The winter season in Minnesota is rather unique. Each year the snow and the cold weather brings with it some picturesque beauty and the chance to play some winter sports, but it also presents some hazards. Non-sports related head injuries tend to peak during the winter months – just another reason why January is traumatic brain injury awareness month – so we thought we’d take some time to share with you a few tips to keep your head protected this winter.
Head Injuries In The Winter
Keep these four tips in mind this winter to reduce your likelihood of suffering a head injury or a traumatic brain injury.
1. Wear a Helmet – As we mentioned in the introduction, winter is a time for people to dust off their skis and ice skates and partake in some winter sports. However, the ground is at its hardest during the winter, and a fall can have a devastating impact if you strike your head. Whether you’re playing a pick up game of hockey at the nearby pond or hitting the slopes for the weekend, always be sure you’re wearing a helmet.
2. Footwear – You don’t need to be playing a sport to slip and fall this winter, that can happen with your first steps out the door. When we slip on a patch of ice, our feet tend to slip out in front of us, and our butt, back and head tend to absorb the brunt of the fall. This winter, to protect yourself from slipping, invest in a high quality pair of snow boots or winter footwear that are slip resistant. Here’s a link to some boots that scored high marks in slip resistance in winter conditions.
3. Remove Snow – Even if you have a good pair of winter boots, you can still slip if ice begins to pile up on your driveway or sidewalk. Make sure you shovel or snowblow any time snow begins to accumulate, otherwise slippery spots can begin to form. This in beneficial for both you and your neighbors!
4. Buckle Up – Hopefully you strap on your seat belt every time you get in a vehicle, but it’s especially important to buckle up in the winter because of the adverse road conditions. All it takes is one patch of black ice to send you fishtailing into the ditch. Even at city speeds a fender bender can result in a concussion or skull fracture if you are unbelted and miss the airbag. Always be sure to strap your seat belt throughout the winter months.
If you or someone you love suffers a head injury this winter, make sure they visit a neurologist. Repercussions of head injuries can linger for months and even years if left untreated. Follow the above tips to reduce your likelihood of a head injury, and see a doctor if you end up striking your head.