Snow, ice are a hazard for those with mobility issues

By Paul Sassone

Paul Sassone

Well, you got your white Christmas.

Hope you enjoyed it.

I don’t mean to sound Grinchish, but snow — and its sibling cold —is not an unalloyed pleasure for millions of us.

We view snow, like much else, through our own perspective. So, for some of us snow is a fluffy, white wonderland in which we ski, sled, skate, hike and wage amicable snowball fights. And let’s not leave out

hot apple cider.

But, others see snow and cold from a different perspective.

For millions of people with mobility issues snow is a tiger intent on bringing down its prey.

Each year, thousands of Americans are injured in falls on snow — and ice-covered sidewalks, steps and curbs.

And even if not injured in a fall, persons who have difficulty getting around face isolation during winter months. Snow and ice keep these people marooned in their own homes. They can’t go food shopping. They can’t go to the doctor. Thy can’t visit friends and relatives.

This is not a pleasant way to live. Winter can be harmfully physically and emotionally to so many of us.

That snow and ice are a public health issue is recognized by most communities, which have laws requiring residents and businesses to shovel their sidewalks.

There are fines imposed for ignoring these laws.

But I’m hoping that threats of punishment aren’t necessary.

This is yet another instance in which our conduct should be guided by the Golden Rule.

 

Snow, ice are a hazard for those with mobility issues