It may sound silly and look unusual, but experts say Iowans should consider walking like penguins in cold, icy conditions to help prevent falls. The technique involves taking short, deliberate steps, keeping your center of gravity over your feet and holding your arms slightly out from your sides to maintain balance.
Edison Weig, a physical therapist with Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City, says they see many hip, back and other injuries from falls during the winter months. One in five falls results in a serious injury.
Weig says people 65 and older are most at risk, adding that more than 75,000 Iowans were treated in emergency rooms last year for fall-related injuries.
