Hello Everybody,
We know that walking is the best way to lose weight. But as the UK shivers in daytime temperatures of 1 degree Celsius older people may not think walking a good idea.
Winter walking in the countryside can be great fun, but for those living in towns it can be a nightmare. Your ever benevolent local Council has probably gritted the roads. But pavements come low down the priority list and many, even in town centres, are not gritted at all.
The best advice for older people is to stay at home. But after a few days the food runs out, the heating bills escalate and newspaper deliveries may become erratic. So they go out to the shops, slip on the pavement and find themselves in hospital in a mixed ward worrying about MRSA.
What can you do? If you have to go out take it gently and dress for the cold with plenty of clothes, a head covering, scarf and gloves. The most important thing, of course, is boots. They should be walking boots with a good tread on the sole. It is important that the boots are relatively new, because old boots may have very little tread left and are useless on ice. Rubber Wellington boots have the same problem, only more so, as they are not designed for a lot of walking and the soles can wear quickly. I know of two people who have recently fallen on ice and both were wearing Wellington boots. You may need them if there is thick snow and the best are made by Hunter. These have a good heel and a better and stronger sole than most other makes. But if possible do wear walking boots.
A stick will help give you confidence, but don’t rely on it too much as it could skid on ice and cause a fall.
If you have poor balance an icy pavement is not the place to be. I have written before about improving balance and it may be worth repeating some details.
Just start by standing on one leg for ten seconds and then the other leg for ten seconds every day. Do this for a few days, then work up to thirty seconds on each leg every day. Make sure you have something firm to reach for in case of a wobble. When you feel confident enough try doing it with your eyes shut or standing on a cushion. Keep doing this and your balance will improve. Probably it will not improve enough to save you if you slip on ice, but at other times you will feel much safer. For the minute or so a day it takes to do balance exercises they are well worth the trouble.
If you must go out take these few precautions and be safe. But if you are able stay indoors until the cold spell is over please do. Do not worry about missing your daily fitness walking. Or spoiling your weight loss plan by snacking out of boredom. The weather will not be bad for ever and you can start walking again as soon as you are able.
Gardeners should not forget the birds. They will be having a bad time too. Some peanuts in a feeder, a few handfuls of birdseed and a saucer of water will keep them going and entertain you as well.
See you soon,
Peter Stockwell
5 January 2010
Photo. Alaric Webster
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