Neurology Now: December/January 2017 - Volume 13 - Issue 6 - p 15
doi: 10.1097/01.NNN.0000527838.11415.6c
Departments: The Waiting Room
Cold, snowy, icy, or slushy weather can be stressful for anyone with a neurologic condition who worries about falling. Often it's enough to prevent people from venturing out at all. But staying indoors and waiting for spring to come brings its own dangers, says Peter Y. Kim, MD, PhD, associate professor of neurology at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. People may become sedentary and isolated, which can affect the progression of their disease or their mental state, Dr. Kim explains.
To stay as safe as possible in poor conditions, consider these tips.
1. SCHEDULE YOUR TIME OUTSIDE CAREFULLY. Run errands and schedule appointments when you feel strongest or when your medication is most effective, says Linda Pituch, a Helpline specialist with the Parkinson's Foundation.
2. WORK WITH AN OCCUPATIONAL OR PHYSICAL THERAPIST. Ask about the best ways to get in and out of a vehicle when there's ice or snow on the ground, or exercises to keep from slipping. Also ask about what assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, are most practical.
3. KEEP EQUIPMENT DRY. Keep a small dry cloth on hand so you or someone with you can wipe off the end of your cane or walker if the tips get wet or snowy, says Dr. Kim.
4. WEAR SUPPORTIVE SHOES. Choose shoes with soles that grip and laces or straps that keep the shoes secure, says Melissa Armstrong, MD, MSC, FAAN, a movement disorders specialist at the University of Florida Health Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration in Gainesville.
5. KEEP HANDS FREE. Ask for help carrying items or wear a backpack. Keeping your hands free will help you balance if you slip or stumble.
6. DON'T MULTITASK. Stay focused on walking and getting to your destination. Don't try to read a map or talk on your cellphone.
7. TRAVEL WITH OTHERS. Bring along a companion. If that's not possible, let others know your route and check in with them when you arrive or if you have problems en route.
8. CLEAR PATHWAYS. Arrange to have a service or a neighbor or relative remove snow and ice as soon as it accumulates. And stay inside if the path outside your door is icy.
9. TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. If family or neighbors can't drive you to a doctor's appointment or to run errands, call 311 and ask the operator if your town offers free transportation for older people and those with disabilities.
10. CONSIDER RIDE SERVICES. You can book a ride from Uber (http://uber.com) or Lyft (http://lyft.com) using an app on your smartphone. Rides through LyftLine or UberPool, which match you with someone going in a similar direction, are 20 percent cheaper, and you get the discount even if you're the only passenger.
11. KEEP IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS HANDY. Store emergency numbers in your cellphone under ICE (in case of emergency) in the event that someone has to call for you.
http://journals.lww.com/neurologynow/pages/articleviewer.aspx?article=00012&issue=13060&type=FullText&year=2017
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