Walk Like A Penguin To Avoid Winter Falls: Southington Health Department

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Anyone of a certain age and growing up in New England can remember those old commercials for the New England Aquarium in Boston back in the day.

You know, the one with the family enjoying their day there in the 1970s, and the young daughter in the group exclaiming, "I can walk like a penguin" in front of the penguins.

Well, Southington's local health department said Wednesday that walking like a penguin is more than just a goofy way to get around.

It just might help you stay safe in the winter.

According to theSouthington-based South-Central Health District, walking like a penguin is a good way to navigate your way around sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots that just might have a lot of ice.

"Icy conditions can be dangerous, but walking like a penguin can help," wrote the health department, which also serves Plainville and Middlefield, in an announcement.

Of course, don't walk like a penguin the way the girl in the 1970s commercial did. That would look foolish.

But the health department offers up these tips regarding walking like a penguin and staying on your feet:

• Take shorter, shuffle-like steps to maintain your balance.

• Walk with your arms at your sides.

• Keep your center of gravity over your front leg.

• Wear appropriate, slip-resistant footwear.

For more information on the South-Central Health District, click on this link.