Winter in Iowa is here, and weather-related falls are of greater concern. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (2022), “Falls were the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for all ages in Iowa in 2020.”

Falls, particularly those in the winter, can happen to anyone, but commonly occur in the 65 and older population. Our team at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Rehabilitation Services and UnityPoint Clinic Orthopedics — Fort Dodge recommend the following to help you and your loved ones avoid winter falls.

To Avoid A Fall

• Talk to your doctor about your bone health and risk for falls. If you feel like you are at an increased risk for a fall, or have poor balance, ask your doctor about a referral to physical therapy to strengthen your body and help you become more stable on your feet.

• If possible, stay home when you feel the weather may be dangerous. If you must go out, plan ahead and allow plenty of time so you do not have to rush.

• Dress appropriately for the weather — a warm coat, hat, gloves and proper footwear (winter boots, ice cleats, etc.) with good tread/traction.

Use an assistive device, like a walker, cane or wheelchair, if needed.

• Walk slowly with a wider base of support, or walk like a penguin. Minimize distractions, texting or calling, and watch for black ice or places where snow may be obscuring ice underneath.

• Have a cellphone or other means of communication, such as a life alert, easily accessible to ensure you get help if you fall.

If You Fall

• Don’t rush to get up. Give yourself a moment to see if and where you are hurt.

• Call 911 if your fall has caused a medical emergency, such as a broken bone or head injury.

• If able, roll over to your side, get up on your knees and then to your feet. If you need something to hang onto, carefully crawl to a grassy area that is not slippery and use a solid object to help you to your feet.

• If you are unable to get up on your own, ask for help.

• Seek medical attention if you have pain immediately following or lingering after your fall in a particular area of your body.

Falls can result in a range of injuries from minor scrapes and bruises to serious traumatic brain injury or death. For minor injuries — soft tissue sprains, strains, bruising — utilize home remedies, such as a balance of gentle movement and rest, icing during the first 24-48 hours, then a combination of heat and ice, compression and elevation of the affected area.

More serious injuries may result in a fracture or broken bone in the back, wrist, upper arm bone, ankle, hip or knee. In these cases, a trip to the emergency room and/or orthopedic provider is necessary. Our orthopedic providers at UnityPoint Clinic Orthopedics — Fort Dodge offer same-day appointments. Patients can get assessed and quickly develop a treatment plan with our team, so they’re back on their feet and feeling their best quickly.

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain and stiffness, your orthopedic provider may refer you to Trinity Rehabilitation Services for outpatient physical or occupational therapy. A physical therapist works with patients with symptoms in the shoulder, back, or leg. Our physical therapy team can also help address your balance to prevent future falls.

Occupational therapists help patients with symptoms in the elbow, wrist, and hand. The occupational therapy team can also help address any concerns with caring for yourself, others, your home, and returning to work or school.

To learn more about our rehabilitation services, contact Trinity Rehabilitation Services at (515) 574-6900. To schedule an appointment at UnityPoint Clinic Orthopedics — Fort Dodge, call (515) 574-8333.

Emma Trueblood OTR is with Trinity Rehabilitation Services.