Snow + ice doesn’t have to = fall

Have you heard of YakTrax? They’re traction aids you slip over your boots and they allow you to walk on packed snow and ice with a fair amount of confidence that you won’t fall.

I bought a pair this year and have used them while out walking the dog. They’re easy to slip on to your boot or shoe and they really do help you from slipping. Too bad you can’t use them while shopping though – or I might not have taken that big wipe out in the parking lot on Monday afternoon.

You see, the only problem with the YakTrax is you can’t wear them if you’re walking on a smooth floor because you’ll slip and slide, so it’s not practical to wear them when you’re out shopping. I was doing some errands on Monday afternoon and at my last stop, just as I was about to get into my car, my feet slid out right from underneath me. And – I have good boots! I wear Uggs, so there are no high heels and the bottom is soft and treaded.

Down I went, flat as a board and without a sound, it happened so fast. I did, however, wave the bag of wine bottles in the air in triumph as they didn’t break in the process. We have to be thankful for small miracles, right?

But seriously, for those of us who have chronic pain, particularly back pain, we really do have to be very careful in the winter; we can’t afford to fall. My back, hip and neck are all reminding me right now that they do a lot more than they should for a body that’s only 46 years old and falling is not something they like.

There are generic type traction aids too, which are less expensive, and if you live in a climate where there is snow and ice, you may want to consider trying them. After all, when you are already experiencing pain, the last thing you need to do is to add to it.