Ice skating is fun, except when it comes to walking around campus and trying to get to class. Here are some helpful tips from Jessica Shannon, clinical services assistant supervisor-lead registered nurse at Thielen Student Health Center, to help decrease the risk of injury due to ice. 

Tip No. 1

Recognize and be aware of the hazards of slippery surfaces such as icy roads and sidewalks. Knowing that there might be ice will allow students and faculty members to be cautious when walking.

Tip No. 2

Wear boots. Boots have traction, which might decrease your risk of falling. You can also wear yak tracks when walking outside on icy conditions. If you do this, be sure to take these tracks off when indoors because they may be slippery on indoor surfaces.

Tip No. 3 

Shift your center of gravity over your front foot instead of splitting it evenly between your feet. Keep your feet as flat as possible; this may be known as the “penguin walk.” Once inside, immediately remove snow from the bottom of your shoes.

Students and faculty members are encouraged to call the Thielen Student Health Center office to talk to a nurse about treatments they can do at home or to schedule an appointment in their office to have their symptoms evaluated further if they have injuries.