DailyDish - Walk Like A Penguin

by Sandy Maple (Subscribe to Sandy Maple's posts) Dec 19th 2008 6:00AM

Walking anywhere in the winter can be dangerous when there is ice between you and your destination. penguin

Learning how to avoid ice - or to safely walk upon it - could save you a lot of pain and agony. Not to mention the embarrassment of finding yourself flat on your back in front of total strangers.

If the weather is cold enough to form ice, assume any wet, dark patches on the pavement are slippery and try to avoid them.
Wear shoes or boots that provide good traction -- grooved non-slip rubber or neoprene soles are the best. Save those high heels for another day.
Avoid shortcuts and try to stay on the beaten path. Look ahead when walking and skirt icy patches by walking on the grass when possible.
If you must cross the ice, walk flat-footed with your toes pointed out slightly. Bend just a little and take short, slow steps. Keep your hands out of your pockets. This will allow you to use your arms to help maintain your balance and make it easier to break your fall should you slip.
If you do slip, just go with it. Relax your muscles and try to land on a fleshy part of your body and not your knees or spine.

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