Outdoor Walking Safety

It is no secret that almost all of us have been spending most of our time at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. With many areas enforcing a shelter in place tactic, some of us are wondering if it is okay to go outdoors for a walk or jog. For those who naturally exercise regularly or for those who just want to get out of the house for a bit to refresh here are some important safety tips we, Great Neck Family Foot Care, want to share with you!

Is It Safe To Go Outside? 

Yes, as long as you continue to practice social distancing from others! When you are in a crowded space, and if someone sneezes or coughs, droplets can land on surfaces that you may end up touching. This could then lead you to turn around and touch your face, leading to the spread of the coronavirus.
So, the best course of action when going outdoors is to remain in isolation. Make sure to stay at least six feet away from others and follow these important safety measures when walking outside: 

• Do pay attention to the traffic and don’t walk with your back turned to oncoming traffic. 
• Do walk on the sidewalks whenever possible. If there aren’t any, walk as close to the side of the road as possible and walk in a single file. 
• Do remain visible by wearing bright-color clothing during the day and light-colored reflective clothing at night. 
• Keep the music volume down, be alert for any sounds especially from oncoming cars. 
• Look both ways and cross safely when crossing intersections. 
• Be aware of and share the road with bike riders and runners. Listen to their alerts to avoid injury.

 Additionally, do wear proper footwear that has the appropriate fit, level of support and comfort for your feet. Also, dress appropriately for weather conditions and always carry plenty of water!

Safety Tips For Your Feet and Ankles:

When heading out for your walk, make sure you are wearing proper footwear! Meaning your shoes fit appropriately, as well as provide both support and comfort. Aside from having the right walking shoes, there are a few other ways you can keep your feet and ankles healthy while still getting outside and enjoying some fresh air:

• Whether you are headed out for a walk or jog, it is so important that you warm up! This includes proper stretching to help easer into your walk or jog.
• Controlling to intensity of your walk or jog. While it may be tempting to start things off at full speed, it’s important to let your body adjust to this new routine. This will ensure the muscles in your feet and ankles will have enough time to recover in between walks or jogs.
• If your shoes are rundown, it’s time for a new pair.
• When walking or jogging in your area, make sure to avoid uneven surfaces.

Can I Go For A Walk Or Jog In Groups? 

Generally, if you are going out for a walk or jog you should go alone. The virus can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or breathing near someone who may have it. 

Contact Our Telemedicine Podiatrist on Long Island:

If you have any questions or concerns or need to contact a podiatrist, contact us at Great Neck Family Foot Care today! We are now offering telemedicine appointments with our telemedicine podiatrist on Long Island, to continue to treat our patients as well as taking proper precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.