If anyone lives in a place that is cold and you got some black ice glazing the ground, the risk of falling increases dramatically.  We all have heard of accidents with cars but broken wrists, hips, and forearms are frequent ER visits during this time of year.  Here are a few thing to know to make sure you don't start racking up dollars on your insurance deductibles next year:

1.  Start with the Balance - Widening your base of support when walking over ice decreases your risk of falling.  Furthermore, doing the same by shortening you step will help.  In some cases you may still fall if over ice but it will increase the amount of time you have to react, thus, preventing seriously bodily crashes resulting in broken bones. 

2.  Pay Attention - Just because it doesn't look like ice is over concrete and ash fault surfaces doesn't mean it isn't there.  Make sure that if you go out in the dark pay attention and slow down.  Also, during the day areas that have a light amount of snow over it can give you a little more friction to work with but don't think that going out for your usual run isn't without risk.

3.  Take a Look At Your Shoes - We all have that pair of shoes we wear everyday (probably more than we should) that wears down to have the gripping equivalent of glass.  I am not saying go out and buy a pair of snow shoes to get the mail but be aware of what is on your feet.  If you have instances of slipping occasionally when conditions are good you might think twice about those worn out shoes.  Hiking and snow boots are a better bet......and you finally get to use them so break them out!