Five ways to avoid emergency care this fall season

Fall is a beautiful season, but the changing weather can put your bones and joints at risk. Outdoor activities, cooler temperatures and slippery surfaces can cause strains, sprains and fractures during this time of year. Being mindful about the things you do that can cause injury can save you a trip to the emergency room or urgent care, but if injury occurs, Ascension is here for you with convenient emergency care. Here are fives ways to help you prevent an injury or accident this fall season:

1. Warm up before starting outdoor activities
   Cold weather can make muscles stiff and increase your risk of injury. Warm up your body by stretching for five to 10 minutes before taking a walk, hike, or play a sport to keep joints flexible. Exercises like squats, lunges and yoga help reduce the likelihood of falls and overuse injuries.

2. Watch your step
   Leaves, rain and early frost make walking paths and outdoor steps slippery. Proper footwear with good traction can reduce the risk of falls, especially for seniors or young children. Supportive braces or athletic tape can also help prevent common injuries like ankle sprains and knee strains when raking leaves, playing sports, or hiking.

3. Pace yourself during physical activity
   Sudden bursts of activity after long periods of inactivity can increase your injury risk for muscle strains, sprains, stress fractures or even back injuries.. Give your muscles and joints time to adjust by slowly increasing your intensity. Listen to your body and take breaks when you feel pain or unusual fatigue to prevent sprains or other injuries.

4. Equipment safety
   Getting your home ready for the fall season with yard maintenance, decor or staying warm, means pulling out supplies and equipment that you may not have touched all year. You may have climbed a ladder or used a leaf blower for decades, but it’s important to refamiliarize yourself with your equipment and expect it before using it to avoid accidents. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, space heaters and fireplaces to help prevent fire accidents.

5. Stay hydrated in cooler weather
   Staying hydrated in the fall is just as important as it is in the summer. Drier air, indoor heating and seasonal changes can lead to dehydration without you even realizing it. Water helps prevent common issues like dry skin, fatigue and dizziness that can come from not drinking enough water, but it also helps your muscles and joints work properly. Try keeping a water bottle with you, sipping herbal teas or adding hydrating foods like apples, oranges, and soups to your meals. 

Urgent care and emergency care when you need it

Pain, swelling, bruising or difficulty moving a joint can be a sign that you need to see a doctor about your injury. Our urgent cares and ERs are ready to treat sprains, strains, fractures and other fall injuries. Find an urgent care or ER near you for the right care, right when you need it.