FALL & WINTER SAFETY ontana weather is known for its ability to change for rain, snow, and everything in between. Colder nighttime temperatures can turn a wet sidewalk into a slippery sheet of ice. According to the Montana Injury Prevention Annual Report, in 2020 there were 18,000 emergency department visits, nearly 2,000 hospitalizations, and over 200 deaths due to unintentional falls. While many people end up just bruised and embarrassed, others sustain significant injuries. Sprains, fractures, back injuries, and even head injuries can occur. In the case of slips and falls, prevention is the best medicine. However, if you do fall, don't hesitate to seek medical assistance if the pain is severe or persists for more than a couple of days. Anyone who hits their head and feels dazed or loses consciousness, even for less than a minute, should always be evaluated by a medical provider right away. Don't let winter get the last laugh on you. Be careful out there. The Medicare Pilot Program for Asbestos Related Disease (MPPARD) can help cover services like snow and ice removal for qualifying CARD patients. If you have questions regarding the Pilot Program and if you may be eligible, please contact the program's administrator, Noridian Healthcare Solutions, at 1-888-469-9464 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their website is https://www. noridianmedicare.com/ard. CARD no longer has a Case Manager on staff who is dedicated to helping with MPPARD but we may still be able to help or answer questions as needed. If you are interested in being screened for asbestos related disease, please call (406) 293-9274 or fill out an application online at www.libbyasbestos.org. During this time of year, make sure to walk slowly and take shorter steps. Wear boots or other non-slip footwear and be prepared for black ice formation after melting has occurred. Gripper pads and ice cleats are easy to find and add to your shoes or boots to improve traction. If you sometimes use a walking device such as a cane or walker, make sure you have these with you. Falls are more likely in parking lots, stepping down off a curb, or getting out of a vehicle. Carrying large loads or using your cell phone while walking means you can't see where you're going and are more likely to have an accident. Make sure walkways are cleared, then spread salt, sand, or de-icing material after shoveling. C CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application. Testing available locally or from a distance. Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295. Ongoing care not covered. 150005 FALL & WINTER SAFETY ontana weather is known for its ability to change for rain , snow , and everything in between . Colder nighttime temperatures can turn a wet sidewalk into a slippery sheet of ice . According to the Montana Injury Prevention Annual Report , in 2020 there were 18,000 emergency department visits , nearly 2,000 hospitalizations , and over 200 deaths due to unintentional falls . While many people end up just bruised and embarrassed , others sustain significant injuries . Sprains , fractures , back injuries , and even head injuries can occur . In the case of slips and falls , prevention is the best medicine . However , if you do fall , don't hesitate to seek medical assistance if the pain is severe or persists for more than a couple of days . Anyone who hits their head and feels dazed or loses consciousness , even for less than a minute , should always be evaluated by a medical provider right away . Don't let winter get the last laugh on you . Be careful out there . The Medicare Pilot Program for Asbestos Related Disease ( MPPARD ) can help cover services like snow and ice removal for qualifying CARD patients . If you have questions regarding the Pilot Program and if you may be eligible , please contact the program's administrator , Noridian Healthcare Solutions , at 1-888-469-9464 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday . Their website is https : // www . noridianmedicare.com/ard . CARD no longer has a Case Manager on staff who is dedicated to helping with MPPARD but we may still be able to help or answer questions as needed . If you are interested in being screened for asbestos related disease , please call ( 406 ) 293-9274 or fill out an application online at www.libbyasbestos.org . During this time of year , make sure to walk slowly and take shorter steps . Wear boots or other non - slip footwear and be prepared for black ice formation after melting has occurred . Gripper pads and ice cleats are easy to find and add to your shoes or boots to improve traction . If you sometimes use a walking device such as a cane or walker , make sure you have these with you . Falls are more likely in parking lots , stepping down off a curb , or getting out of a vehicle . Carrying large loads or using your cell phone while walking means you can't see where you're going and are more likely to have an accident . Make sure walkways are cleared , then spread salt , sand , or de - icing material after shoveling . C CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application . Testing available locally or from a distance . Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295 . Ongoing care not covered . 150005