Ever since I read a story in the paper a few years ago about a single woman who froze to death after she slipped on ice in her own driveway, I've been a little nervous about this time of year. And the fear only seems to increase as I get older.

January and February are ice season where I live, and this makes walking on the dirt road, sometimes even getting out to the car, risky business. (Yesterday I used a ski pole to get across the driveway to the chicken coop, and it crossed my mind that it may be time to get one of those little things you hang around your neck that you can buzz the local EMT's with. Holy crap.)

The good news is that there are a bunch of products that can help, and they don't cost a lot. I just bought a pair of YakTrax

for about $20 at Olympia Sports. (They have a $30 version, but the $20 version work fine.) You just slip them over your regular shoes and go. I bought two pairs, one to keep in my car. These have enabled me to keep walking on our icy road even through the winter. And the more I use them, the less I'm worrying all the time about falling.

There are other brands out there; here's an online store with products to keep you on your feet.They're worth a look.

                                                                           --BJ Roche