Winter weather injuries

By Sheri Krotzer

Edited by John Kennett and Justin Marr

Harsh weather has not only caused problems with electricity and driving conditions, but also weather related injuries.

Eric Bellmore, lead programmer and developer in the Information Technology department, sprained his ankle walking in front of Park Library.

“I was returning to my office from a meeting and was on the sidewalk by the library, on the south side of Preston Street heading east,” said Bellmore. “I had to cross some slush on the sidewalk because there was nowhere else to go unless I chose to walk on the street.”

Suddenly, Bellmore discovered ice under the slush.

“My foot slipped into a rut in the ice, twisting my ankle under me and sending me face first on to the sidewalk,” continued Bellmore.

Though it can be very painful to fall, not too many permanent injuries occur.

“X-ray's confirmed it was a sprained ankle, and nothing is broken. I'm currently doing some physical therapy to rehab it,” said Bellmore.

Several injuries have been reported with the bizarre weather patterns Michigan has endured.

“If the weather is particularly cold, additional stress from the cold weather with heavy exertion for people that are at risk for heart disease could cause them to have heart related problems,” said Dr. Jeffrey S. Desmond to ABC 12 reporters.

Students all over campus are seen constantly slipping and sliding on the ice, intermittently falling.

“My roommate falls like five times a day on the ice,” said Imlay City junior Shannon Pardon. “We had to go buy some new boots for her so she wouldn’t slip as much.”

Along with slippery sidewalks, cars can be found stuck and in need of a good solid push.

“My roommate’s car got stuck one time, so I was trying to help push her out. But then, I slipped and fell flat on my stomach and face,” said Pardon.

Key advice: keep watch on the ice and be careful. Shoveling and snow blowing can also be quite dangerous.

"Often times, even when the snow blower is off, if people try to clear a jam out of the snow blower, the machine may either still be turning or there may be some torque left in the machine," Desmond said. "When they clear that snow out, the blades will turn over and injure their hands."