Fall Prevention Awareness Week: Things to Do TODAY to Prevent a Fall

Each year, the first week of fall shines a spotlight on an important health priority: preventing falls. While falls may seem inevitable, most falls can be avoided with a few simple changes to your daily routine, home environment, and health habits. Fall Prevention Awareness Week is the perfect time to pause and make small adjustments that can keep you safe, steady, and independent. Here are some small changes that can make a huge difference:

1. Do a Quick Home Safety Check

Your home environment plays a huge role in fall risk. Take 10 minutes today to scan your living space.

• Remove clutter from walkways.
• Secure or get rid of loose throw rugs.
• Add night lights to hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary climbing or stretching.
• Make sure all lights are working and the switches accessible

2. Review Your Medications

Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in blood pressure. These can cause falls before you are even aware you are falling.

• Call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to review your medication list.
• Ask if any side effects may increase your risk of falls.
• Do not stop taking medications on your own, but call your provider right away if you experience any unwanted symptoms.
• If you have many health concerns, do not start a medication or supplement on your own as they may react to medications you are already taking.

3. Schedule an Eye and Hearing Check

Your vision and ears are key parts of your balance system. If you have not had them checked this year, schedule an appointment today. Even small changes in prescription lenses or properly functioning hearing aids can make a big difference in fall prevention.

4. Move with Mindfulness

Sometimes, taking an extra second for tasks throughout your day can have the biggest impact.

• Take your time when getting up from sitting or lying down.
• Use handrails on stairs.
• Wear supportive, non-slip shoes indoors and outdoors.

5. Contact a Physical Therapist

If you are concerned about your balance, get in touch with a physical therapy service as soon as possible. They not only can help you with the tips above or get you in touch with a professional who can, but they can also help with the following:

• Assess your current risk of falls with validated tests and measures
• Strengthen your body to prevent falls
• Get you devices to help prevent falls
• Help you recover should a fall happen

Preventing falls is not about staying still and afraid—it is about staying active, independent, and confident in your daily life. This Fall Prevention Awareness Week, commit to making a change: clear a walkway, try a new exercise, or schedule that eye exam. Small steps today can prevent big setbacks tomorrow. Do not wait. This fall, Live Your Life FALL FREE.

References

1. Rosen T, Mack KA, Noonan RK. Slipping and tripping: fall injuries in adults associated with rugs and carpets. J Inj Violence Res. 2013;5(1):61-69. doi:10.5249/jivr.v5i1.177
2. Gerson LW, Jarjoura D, McCord G. Risk of imbalance in elderly people with impaired hearing or vision. Age Ageing. 1989;18(1):31-34. doi:10.1093/ageing/18.1.31