This Is How We Should Walk On Ice So That We Don't Break Our Bones

Canada is experiencing a real winter this year, between the ice storms, the downpours, the blizzards, and the frigid temperatures. And though Canadians like to brag they can handle any weather thrown at them, it seems there is one thing that can thwart even the hardiest of souls: ice.

Thanks to fluctuating temperatures and excretions from the sky, ice is all over the streets and sidewalks, often in places where people cannot even see it. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, in 2011-12, over 7,000 people went to the hospital after falling on ice — and this was during a relatively mild winter.

Injuries from falling on ice can include anything from back pain to concussions and are particularly severe for those over 50 years old, whose bones are often more brittle and susceptible to breakage. We have amassed some tips from the wisdom of the web to give you a hand in getting through this ice safely.

1) Waddle

This graphic, posted on Reddit with the words, "Avoid slipping on ice by walking like a penguin!" speaks volumes. Artist Curtis Whaley created it from Tablet Infographics:

2) Through The Centre

In the video, "posturedoc" gives an admittedly wordy demonstration of why a strong core is so essential to surviving the ice. Worth watching to see how he steps:

3) Best Foot Forward

Wear the right shoes, which means shoes with large treads or raised patterns. To be extra cautious, consider getting some traction devices, like these Yaktrax Pro options (available for about $16 at various outdoor retailers). The steel coils on the bottom give some grip with ice and allow for better balance.

4) Give A Pinch

And if you're really worried, there's always the option of carrying your salt with you. Salt melts ice by lowering the freezing point of water, according to Chemistry.com, and so thought it might weigh you down, you can pull an Arctic Hansel and Gretel to get through the ice.