Winter can be a beautiful, picturesque time of year: Sitting by the fireplace drinking a mug of warm tea or hot chocolate while enjoying a good novel as the snow falls softly outside makes for an enjoyable afternoon. However, the season can also bring several health and safety hazards. This winter, be prepared by taking precautions and following these tips:

Avoid falls

One of the biggest concerns, especially for seniors, during the winter is slipping and falling in wet or icy conditions. As Dr. Stanley Wang, a physician at Stanford Hospital in California, explained to Care.com, falls happen quite frequently among the older population, especially in winter conditions. Though younger people may bounce back quickly from a fall, seniors often face longer recovery and the potential for complications.