Practice Walking Like a Penguin to Prevent Falls in Icy Conditions

In this winter weather, take some advice for our feathered friends the penguins to get around safely in ice, sleet or snow. 

The “Penguin Waddle” might look silly, but it’s a great way to prevent falling, said medical experts at Norman Regional Health System. 

Physical therapist Kourtney Egge, DPT, said walking like a penguin can keep you on your feet and out of the hospital. 

How you can copy the penguin to stay upright and prevent slipping on ice?

• Take short steps that do not lift your feet high off the ground. Shuffle along with your weight flat on your foot.
• Walk slowly and deliberately. 
• Slightly extend your arms out to your sides, just like a penguins wings! This helps you keep your balance. 
• Try to make sure your balance is centered on your feet. 

Why does walking like a penguin help? It keeps your body stable, your center of gravity low and centered and it prevents the back-foot push off which is where falls often start. 

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Fall Better

Even the most careful penguin or person can still slip and fall. Here are a few tips to fall in a way that prevents injuries:

• The best thing to do is to “tuck and roll” if possible.
• Protect your head by tucking in your chin.
• Protect your wrists by not trying to catch yourself with your hands. This is when wrist fractures occur. Try to fall on your arms.
• Try to roll onto your side and tumble onto the ice. 

Experts realize its can be hard to remember these tips during those scary moments when you are falling. If you do injure yourself, Norman Regional’s is here to help. 

The system offers three emergency departments in Norman and Moore. The Ortho Central orthopedics and surgery clinic can help fix injuries and put patients on the road to recovery. The system is also home to both outpatient and inpatient physical therapy.