MetroHealth System in Cleveland said almost half of the serious injuries it sees this time of year come from people slipping and falling on icy or snowy surfaces.

Anthony Zalewski, the hospital’s injury prevention coordinator, said many wintertime patients arrive with orthopedic injuries or traumatic brain injuries, which happen when older adults aren't able to get their hands up in time to protect their heads.

But he said the danger doesn’t end with the fall.

“These particular things are more of a problem because of the fact that you now are at risk of cold exposure," Zalewski said. "It is very important to make sure that you’re prepared to be out there."

For adults 65 and older, falls are both the leading cause of injury and the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries, accordin

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