'Walk like a penguin': NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde issues advice to avoid a fall on icy surfaces
A health board has demonstrated how people should walk like penguins to avoid dangerous slips and trips on icy surfaces.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) hopes to keep people safe during the cold snap and says waddling like a penguin is a good way to avoid a nasty injury.
Top tips to walk like a penguin:
• Bend slightly and keep your knees loose
• Point your feet out slightly
• Extend your arms at your sides
• Walk flat-footed, taking short steps
• Keep your centre of gravity over your feet
Dr Emilia Crighton, director for public health at NHSGGC, said: "While it might seem silly to walk or waddle like a penguin, the alternative may be a nasty injury or even time in hospital.
"Remember, when it comes to getting around on ice, penguins know best, so when you're out and about in the next few days, adopting the penguin stance is a really effective way to move without falling."
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The advice comes as snow and ice warnings remain in place across parts of the UK.
The Met Office has an amber warning for disruption due to snow over parts of northern Scotland until Thursday evening, with strong winds bringing blizzards and drifting.
Due to winter pressures on the NHS, Dr Crighton is also urging people to stay away from hospital unless it is a serious fall.
Dr Crighton said: "A&E is there to help the sickest people and treat the most urgent emergencies, and we would always advise anyone who thinks their condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
"However, most falls and trips do not require treatment at A&E - and in fact, you might be asked to seek help elsewhere if you arrive at A&E inappropriately.
"If assessment is required, our minor injuries units are often best placed to carry that out, so we would urge anyone who has suffered a fall to call NHS24 on 111.
"They will be able to give you the advice you need, including directing you to a minor injuries unit if required."
