Falls impact millions of people every day. Not only the person sustaining the fall but all who love that person and want to take care of them. Multiple state fall prevention coalitions are bringing awareness to the seriousness of falls and the impact they have on individuals, families, communities, and the healthcare system.
Have your doctor do a thorough check-up to include your vision and review your medications. Many medications can influence factors that can cause falls. For example, some medications have side effects that affect your balance and cognition, which can cause vertigo or syncope and lead to a fall. Other medications can affect blood pressure by lowering pressures, causing orthostatic hypotension.
Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall prevention plan. High heels, floppy slippers, and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall. Instead, wear properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles.
Falls can be a factor in weak lower extremities, core muscles, and balance impairments. The more active you are, the better your balance and strength remain. Look for local community classes or walk with a friend.
If you have problems with balance or mobility, ask your healthcare providers fro recommendations for assistive mpbility, sensory and home modifications. Reaching for surrounding furniture and walls to assist with balance makes you reach outside your center of gravity, causing more significant challenges. Install railings in stairways and grab bars in bathrooms, especially inside and outside of the shower and next to the toilet.
By removing area rugs and keeping walkways free from clutter, you are reducing your fall risk at home.
If you have eyeglasses, ensure your prescriptions are up to date. Keep on low lights or nightlights so walkways are better illuminated.
Did you know more than one out of four adults, age 65 and older, fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.
Although falls may not cause injury, one out of five falls cause serious injury, such as broken bones or head injury. Each year, millions of older adults are treated in emergency rooms or hospitalized due to an injury caused by a fall. This results in billions of dollars of medical costs.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is for informational purposes only. We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions, or make specific treatment recommendations through this blog. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult your medical professional immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog, website, or in any linked materials. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or call for emergency medical help on the nearest phone immediately.
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