Walking on ice can be tricky, so it's important to walk carefully on the ice to avoid a fall and the resulting injury. Even though it looks strange, one of the best things you can do is walk like a penguin. Why? Well, penguins maintain their center of gravity over their front foot, instead of splitting it evenly between both feet. This stance allows for more balance, control and traction.

Protect yourself when walking on slippery surfaces by:

• Planning your route
• Giving yourself enough time to get to your destination
• Trying to stay on designated pathways
• Being prepared to fall and falling correctly if you do
• Keeping hands free and always using hand rails
• Choosing the proper footwear
• Assuming that all surfaces are slippery
• Take short, shuffling steps and keep your center of gravity over your feet

Prevention isn’t a bad idea either. Remember to apply sand or salt to slippery surfaces, but keep in mind that salt will only melt ice if the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. When all else fails, walk like a penguin. In the case of a fall, contact your health care provider.