5 Essential Winter Safety Tips to Protect You and Your Family 

  1.Winter sports & activities safety

Winter sports can be exhilarating to watch and make you want to try hitting the slopes yourself. Just be sure to stay safe. Winter activity-related injuries accounted for almost 125,000 emergency room (ER) visits in 2022.    

Injuries from skiing, snowboarding and ice hockey saw the most treatments. For these sports, wearing a helmet is key to avoiding serious injuries, like a concussion. Check out these fact sheets to learn more about proper helmet selection and safety. Even fun activities like sledding have safety guidelines. Sleds can accelerate like a car, sometimes gaining speeds around 20 mph. Consider the following to enjoy sledding safely:

• Check that all equipment is in good condition with no sharp edges or cracks. 
• Sit facing forward with feet pointing downhill – never headfirst. 
• Be aware of bare spots that can cause a sudden stop. 
• Only sled in designated areas, never near trees, large rocks or bodies of water. 
• Always go with others, never alone. 

  2. Mental health awareness

Shorter days and colder temperatures in winter can affect your mood and energy levels. You might experience more fatigue, feel a little rundown or just not your normal self. This isn’t uncommon. Millions of Americans experience the “winter blues” every year, known medically as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  

SAD typically occurs during winter when there is less natural light. This can affect the body’s internal clock, making people feel tired and depressed. You may experience:

• Lack of motivation. 
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. 
• Trouble focusing or remembering things. 
• Sleeping too much or having sleep issues. 
• Changes in appetite, cravings and possible weight gain. 
• Anxiety, irritability or mood swings. 

Mental wellness is an important part of your health. MedMutual Protect’s SimpliCare is designed to provide a safe, secure and private way of seeking mental health assistance. Members can virtually connect with a licensed healthcare professional through phone or video access.          

Seek immediate help if you or someone you know is in danger of harming themselves. Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The Lifeline online chat platform is also available at 988lifeline.org. If you believe a loved one is in immediate danger of attempting suicide, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. 

  3. Slips and falls safety

Ice and snow aren’t the only things that fall in winter – people can, too. Wintry weather conditions lead to an increased risk of outdoor falls. This can be dangerous, especially for older adults. Falls most commonly cause fractures, sprains and strains, dislocations and head injuries. Consider the following safety tips before your next outdoor winter adventure:

• Have a preparedness plan in case of emergencies, including where to go and who to call.
• Keep sidewalks and stairs outside clean of ice and snow. Don't be afraid to ask a friend or neighbor for help. 
• Make sure stairs have sturdy handrails for support. 
• Use rock salt, sand or kitty litter for traction on slippery surfaces. Carry a small bag in your pocket to sprinkle while outside.

If conditions are icy, you can adjust how you walk to stay safe. The easiest way to remember is to “walk like a penguin”:

• Walk with your feet pointed out slightly.
• Bend your knees gently.
• Shorten your stride. 

Snowfall can also hide tripping hazards, like curbs and uneven surfaces. Watch out when snow accumulates over one inch. Accidents can happen anytime and lead to major disruptions in your life and finances. MedMutual Protect’s Accident Insurance offers convenient plan designs with coverage for inpatient and outpatient care to help protect both your health and your budget. 

  4. Cold weather safety

Building snowmen and having snowball fights in a winter wonderland is fun but make sure you’re prepared for prolonged exposure to the cold. Even kids waiting for the morning school bus can be affected as temperatures may drop well below freezing. 

Bundling up by wearing several layers of loose-fitting clothes, gloves, hats and scarves can help prevent serious health injuries like hypothermia – when the body’s temperature is abnormally low – and frostbite – when skin freezes from overexposure to freezing temperatures. These conditions can occur quickly. 

It can be challenging to see your primary care provider during the winter months. MedMutual Protect members have access to telemedicine solutions through SimpliCare. Whether you need general care or have an emergency illness, members have direct access to state-licensed physicians through phone or video. 

  5. Snow shoveling safety  

A winter storm hits overnight. Now you need to clear snow from your driveway, walkway or steps. Shoveling can cause body strains and sprains, exacerbate conditions like arthritis and add stress to injuries like a worn rotator cuff. Use proper shoveling techniques to avoid a trip to the ER: 

• Bend at your knees.  
• Hold the shovel closer to the blade, keeping it as close to your body as possible.  
• Push up with your legs, not upper body or back, to reduce strain.  
• Do not twist your body.  
• Push snow rather than lifting and throwing heavy shovelfuls. 

Shoveling is also strenuous. The combination of cold temperatures and exertion from moving muscles can trigger a serious health event, like a heart attack. Know the warning signs and call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing:  

• Chest pain, tightness, heaviness, squeezing or aching 
• Upper body pain or discomfort 
• Shortness of breath 

Whether you experience hospital stays or emergency care, MedMutual Protect’s Hospital Indemnity Plus is prepared to help our members. It’s designed with multiple benefits to relieve the stress of covering any copays and out-of-pocket expenses.