[Click! Health] Roads Freeze Solid When It Snows... Beware of Falls

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] This week, following heavy snowfall, temperatures have dropped sharply again, increasing the risk of slipping and falling on icy roads. In such weather, snow that has not been properly cleared in time freezes, making the roads slippery and causing many cases of people losing their balance and falling, resulting in serious injuries.

Falls are more likely to occur in winter when roads are slippery due to snow and rain, and the cold makes the body sluggish. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 28th, 31% of falls and slip accidents among seniors aged 65 and older occur during winter (December to February), so the elderly need to be especially cautious.

Besides the elderly, middle-aged women in their 50s and 60s are also at high risk of injury from falls and should be careful. This is because middle-aged women have bones that are just as weak as those of the elderly. After menopause, the reduction in female hormones accelerates bone resorption, lowering bone density and making them more susceptible to osteoporosis.

The most commonly injured areas from falls are the wrists, spine, and femur. Especially in cold weather, the body contracts overall, causing muscles and ligaments to tighten and flexibility to decrease. When falling, people instinctively put out their hands, which can lead to wrist fractures. According to one study, about 75% of injuries from falls are fractures, followed by internal organ injuries (10.8%), sprains and strains (5%), and bruises (4.5%). This means that 7 out of 10 people who experience a fall suffer fractures.

Falls can happen suddenly even to healthy individuals, and for some high-risk groups, falls can lead to fatal injuries. Therefore, it is best to prevent falls by removing environmental hazards in advance. When going outside, avoid high-heeled shoes or slippers and avoid snowy or icy roads. If you must pass through such areas, shorten your stride. Avoid using smartphones while walking and do not keep your hands in your pockets.

Yoon Hyung-jo, an orthopedic specialist at H Plus Yangji Hospital, said, “In cold weather, the body contracts and agility and reflexes decline, making it easy to fall from even minor carelessness. Direct injuries such as wrist fractures, spinal compression fractures, and femur fractures caused by falls are problematic, but complications during treatment and recovery, as well as declines in mental and social functions, can reduce quality of life, so caution is necessary.”

He added, “The elderly experience a rapid decline in joint flexibility, increasing the likelihood of fractures even from minor impacts, so they should not neglect treatment or rely on folk remedies but must seek professional medical care.” He also said, “Middle-aged women face increased risk of fractures from falls due to decreased bone density with age and exposure to osteoporosis. Women who have passed menopause need to regularly check their bone density to monitor their physical condition.”