Preventing Injury

What can I do to reduce my risk of being injured outside the home? Tips to help prevent falling:

• Look around you. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Be active. Regular exercise will help keep muscles strong, improve balance, co-ordination and mobility. Remember upper body strength is important for balance.
• Have your vision checked at least once a year by an eye doctor.
• Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Ask if any medications may cause dizziness/light-headedness.
• Wear footwear that have flat, non-slip soles.
• Slow down and shorten your strides when walking on icy or slippery surfaces.
• Walk in well lit areas.
• If you use a walker or cane to improve your balance and make sure it is adjusted to the correct height for you. A walking stick with "a grip" tip can help when walking in snow.
• Think about wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you fall and can't get up.

Adapted from "Check for Safety". U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

FALL PREVENTION

Injuries resulting from falls can be serious and may lead to loss of confidence, disability, loss of independence or even death. About 50% of falls occur outside the home, in public buildings or on public streets. In Saskatchewan between 1992 and 1998 there were 14,691 older adults hospitalized because of a fall. The average length of the hospital stay was approximately 17 days but varied depending on the health district.

It has been estimated that up to 80% of the falls could have been prevented. As simple as making changes to one's day to day activities and changes in and around the home could greatly reduce one's risk of falling. Behaviour affects the risk of falling when one takes chances or does not pay attention to the surroundings. Your lifestyle affects your risk of falling. You increase your risk of falling if you do not participate in regular physical activity or have more than two alcoholic drinks per day. You increase your risk of falling when you take four or more prescription medications per day. Arthritis which restricts activity could increase risk of falling. Untreated foot problems; such as calluses, bunions or ingrown toenails can cause painful walking which also increases risk of falling

Remember three easy steps to prevent falls.

• Be aware of what is around you.
• Be safe, take it slow; and
• Be active, stay healthy.

If you follow these steps you will decrease your risk of falling. It is important not to let the fear of falling run your life. Enjoy winter in a safe manner. Also don't hestitate to ask for help if you need a arm to hold as you walk to the store. Remember, your safety is the main concern.

Adapted from "Don't Let a Fall Get You Down". Saskatchewan Coalition for Fall Prevention Among Seniors.

By Terri Villeneuve
Fourth Year Nursing Student
Older Adult Wellness