Fall Prevention Month
November is fall prevention month, something that concerns people as they age. And that means a lot of people since Baby Boomers are turning 65 at a rate of 10,000 people per day. And that number can only continue to increase.
A misstep at home or a patch of ice can start a deadly chain reaction for seniors or the mobility impaired of any age. Since one in five falls results in a serious injury such as broken bones and head trauma, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer sound advice for preventing falls. Talk to your doctor if the medicines you take make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve balance, such as Tai Chi. Have your eyes checked at least once a year, and if you wear bifocal or progressive lenses, you may want to get a pair of glasses with only distance prescription for outdoor activities such as walking. Poor footwear can cause falls, so make sure it is good.
There are many steps that can be taken to prevent falls in the home like getting rid of things you could trip over such as throw rugs, putting railings on both sides of stairs, and have grab bars in your tub or shower, as well as next to the toilet. Also make sure the lighting in your home is adequate.
Falls can have psychological consequences even when they don’t result in injury because it often leads to people being afraid of falling and thus limiting their activities and social life. Prevention is all important.
In November we begin to feel the cold winds of the season to come. In winter using a cane can prevent falls and their consequences. If you are a Canadian you may want to take advantage of a company’s Cane for Life initiative.
“We have pledged to give away 1,000 canes for qualified seniors and mobility-impaired Canadians.” said Renato Cavaliere, CEO of Canadian Safe Step Walk-in Tub Co. The company is an advocate for safety and quality of life for seniors and the mobility-impaired.
