From the Blog: Falls Prevention Awareness Month

Falls are common and can happen to anyone, but when an older person takes a tumble, it can often lead to serious injury. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your risk of falling.  

One of the best pieces of advice is to stay physically active with an exercise routine that works for your health and skill level. A weight-bearing exercise such as walking is very beneficial, but always follow your provider’s recommendations and don’t overexert yourself. Strength training and balancing exercises such as yoga or tai chi can also improve your flexibility. If you’ve never tried these exercise options before, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy them!  

Fall-proof your home by installing handrails along stairways and anywhere you may need assistance; it’s also important to remove clutter to keep walkways clear. Make sure the interior and exterior of your home are well-lit, and have a family member or friend keep your sidewalks clear of fallen leaves or ice and snow. 

In addition to home modifications, stay up to date on your preventive health needs, especially vision and hearing screenings. Even a slight change in either can increase your risk of falling. It’s also important to be mindful of any medications you take that cause dizziness or sleepiness.  

Finally, wear supportive shoes that fit properly and have good traction. Always stand up slowly from seated positions and use walking devices to help steady you.  

What should you do if you fall? 

If you fall, try not to panic. Take deep breaths and try to lay still and let your body adjust. Decide if you are hurt and try to not to get up too quickly.  

If you are unable to move and need help, call 911 or have someone near you call. Try to get as comfortable as possible until help arrives without straining yourself or causing further injury. It’s helpful to keep a well-charged cordless or mobile phone close by at all times, or a wearable emergency response device that will alert EMS if you need help.  

Lastly, make a habit of keeping in contact with a family member or friend on a daily basis. Set a designated time for them to check in each day – this will also give your mental health a boost to talk to or spend time with a loved one.  

The thought of falling might start to feel scary as you age, but with the proper precautions you can keep yourself safe and active!