Protect Yourself from Falls This Season

One in four older adults suffer from a fall each year.¹ Have you or a loved one fallen in the past year? Did you know that experiencing a fall can double your risk of falling again?  Don’t wait until another fall happens.  Talk to your health care provider to ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Be sure to share your history of any recent falls, since there are risks that can lead to increased falling.

Conditions and risk factors that can make you likely to fall: ¹

• Lower body weakness
• Not getting enough vitamin D (vitamin D deficiency)
• Difficulties with walking and balance
• Medications can affect balance (E.g. sedatives, antidepressants)
• Vision problems
• Improper footwear
• In home hazards

The good news is that these conditions can be modified to help prevent a fall.  Discuss with your health care provider if your medication is affecting your balance.  It also may be time to schedule an annual eye exam. Physical therapists can work with individuals to improve strength, balance and coordination through proper exercises.  Below is a checklist for your home to make sure you are hazard free:

• Make sure the pathway between furniture is wide enough for walkers and wheel chairs
• Remove any clutter from the floors and walkways
• Keep rooms well lighted
• Check for rug hazards and remove from tile, vinyl and wood flooring
• Keep electrical cords out of high traffic areas (to avoid tripping)

After a fall, the fear of falling can limit your daily activities.  Get help now to prevent a fall.  At Live Your Life our goal is to prevent falls.  We also offer a falls free wellness program to minimize your fall risks.

At Live your Life^TM we offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, personal training, acupuncture, massage therapy, health coaching along with dietary services.

Live Your Life by managing your health and wellness today!

Dr. Eva Norman

President & Founder
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Live Your Life ^TM

Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness!

References

¹CDC, “Important facts about falls” http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html  Accessed October 29, 2016.