Compiled by ArchWell Health
When we were children we often saw other kids with broken arms. It almost seemed routine and they enjoyed getting the casts “autographed” by friends. Kids fall off playground equipment, they climb up where they should not be and take a tumble –and as they progress to junior high and high school many get injuries due to sports.
Adults are a different story. Once you hit a certain age any type of fall can be catastrophic. Whether it is a serious fall that involves breaking a hip or hurting your back or any type of fall that requires hospitalization and then stay in a rehab, it is just worse for adults when they fall. Sometimes the rehab stays can do a number on an older person’s mind, so it is best to just try to avoid falling.
One way to avoid falling is having better balance. How can you improve your balance? Exercise is one way. If you have a regular exercise program be sure to add balancing exercises. Standing on one foot and then on the other can help you with your balance.
According to Eating Well magazine, there are four key areas to improving balance: increasing core strength, strengthening the muscles of the lower body, shifting your focus and putting it into practice. WebMD.com says, “Studies show tai chi, a gentle exercise often called ‘meditation in motion,’ can help you cut down on falls if you’re older and having balance issues.”
Whether you are older or you have parents who are getting older it’s good to know how to avoid falls. Here are a few ways that ArchWell Health has identified to help you avoid falls:
Wear non-slip shoes: Shoes are one of the most important aspects of avoiding falls and maintaining balance. Sneakers or orthopedic shoes can make you feel more balanced. When you walk freely you will have better balance. For many, flip-flops are a bad choice as they sometimes can instill the fear of tripping or falling down. They are also often more slippery when wet, so be carefully when wearing flip-flops at a pool and you enter their dressing rooms with tiled floors
Review your medications: Just a simple review of your medications can help in the area of balance because some medications give a feeling of dizziness or feeling your equilibrium is off. Along those lines, ear infections or vertigo affects our balance. Dizziness that creates the false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving is called vertigo and it can come on strong or just occur lightly.
Complete this home safety check list:
___ The kitchen items you use most often should be easy to access, not on hard-to-reach shelves.
___ Be sure you have a night light or keep a light on in your house so when you wake up to use the restroom you can see to get there.
___ Be sure there is a lamp next to your bed
___ Check the staircase to be sure there is a steady handrail.
___Check the shower to see that it has a non-slip mat and handrails if you need them.
___Keep the stairway lit.
___Examine your rugs. Are they lying flat? Do they have non-slip backing?
Use a cane or walker if you need them: Using a cane or walker can help keep you steady and able to do your favorite activities.
One of the most important ways to keep from falling down is slow down! Pay attention when you walk. Look down.
Talk with an ArchWell Health provider if you are of a certain age and in need of doctor. CLICK HERE.
