While we're already entering February and haven't seen much ice yet, we have had patients traveling to different parts of the country with ice and snow. We've seen just a little of the slick stuff here and, as many of us that have lived in North Carolina for awhile know, our winters follow their own rules. That being said, in case we do see some ice or you are traveling somewhere with colder weather, here are some tips for being safe in slick conditions.

- If you know there is ice or snow coming your way, put some rock salt out on the sidewalk and driveway. This will help prevent the ice from sticking.

- Make sure you wear shoes with a good tread. Fashion is not important in these conditions! Staying warm is what is most important and by wearing shoes with a good tread, you are less likely to slip.

- If you need to get out and shovel snow off the walk, be sure to stretch first. This may seem silly, but we often get an icy mix in our snow in North Carolina and need to put a little "elbow grease" into shoveling. Stretching will help prevent strain on your upper and lower back.

- If you are planning a trip for some fun winter activities such as snowboarding or skiing, train your body by doing lunges and squats. These exercises will condition your muscles for the activity you have planned.

You can read more about what the American Chiropractic Association has to say about preparing for winter activity here. Call one of our convenient locations today to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors to discuss ways to keep your spine healthy and prevent injury during activity.