‘It might look funny, but it really works’
An NHS trust has issued an unusual piece of advice to the public to help them avoid falling over this winter – and it’s not what you might expect.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has officially advised people to ‘waddle like a penguin’ during icy conditions as part of their winter campaign which began in November.
But the novel idea has taken on new significance as Britain has seen in a freezing start to 2026.
And the adverse conditions show no sign of abating as the Met Office has issued yellow and amber snow, wind and ice warnings for much of the country on Thursday (January 8) as Storm Garetti makes landfall.
Billed as a ‘simple and effective’ method of avoiding falls, the NHS trust say the penguin method helps to balance the centre of gravity over your feet rather than tilting it too much to one side.
You can do this by bending your feet slightly, keeping your knees loose and pointing your feet out slightly. Raising your arms at your sides, you should then walk in short steps with flat feet, keeping your centre of gravity over your feet.
Laura Halcrow, Falls Prevention Lead at the trust, advised the public to take two minutes and ‘find a waddle buddy’. “It might look funny, but waddling really works,” she said.
“A slip-on ice can cause painful injuries and even hospital stays, especially for older people. We’re asking everyone to share this advice with friends and family, particularly those who may be less steady on their feet.
Dr Claire Harrow, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services, added: “A&E is for the urgent emergencies. If you suffer a fall, most cases don’t need emergency care.
“If you can, treat yourself from the comfort of your own home using trusted sources like the NHS Inform website or the NHS 24 app. If you need healthcare or you’re unsure, call NHS 24 on 111 for advice.”
