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SALT LAKE CITY — Taylor Groff takes her dog, Stella, on a walk through the park every day.
Groff is also bundled up with her gloves, and on colder days, so is Stella; Groff adds a sweater to her to "err on the side of caution," she said.
Dr. Adam Balls, the senior medical director of emergency medicine and trauma for Intermountain Health, said what Groff does for her precious pooch should be no different for us humans. He said most exposure-related winter injuries like frostbite occur because people are not adequately protected.
Aside from exposure-related injuries, Balls' trauma team also treats people, especially the elderly, who slip on icy roads and sidewalks, mostly because they're in a rush. He said to shorten your steps and walk slower "so you can maintain your center of gravity."
Balls also suggests using proper techniques when shoveling snow; to use your legs more than your back to do the heavy lifting.
Additionally, when using snowblowers, don't try to clear the snow while the machine is running. And if you enjoy sledding, snowboarding, or skiing, remember to wear a helmet.
"It's absolutely vital to wear the proper protective equipment, the proper clothing, all the things that are going to prevent you from sustaining that bad injury," Balls said.
And since December is also Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a chance to promote safety on the roads, he added to remember to slow down, stay alert, and never drink and drive.
"We've seen horrific life-altering injuries from innocent people that are the victims of a drunk driver," Balls said. "In a matter of seconds, life can change."