September is Fall Prevention Month. According to an article by the CDC, each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
A fall can have many consequences in the life of a senior adult. Broken bones or fractures can take longer to heal. Injuries can result in a loss of independence and depression. Fear of falling again can also cause seniors to stop their regular activities making them physically, mentally, and emotionally weaker.
Falls can be prevented, and we want to help you and your loved ones stay safe. Here are some tips to help avoid falls.
Make Your Home Safer: Most falls occur at home, so doing some small, simple checks around your house can result in great safety benefits.
- Make sure your home is well lit so that you can see adequately.
- Check for tripping hazards such as slippery rugs, electrical cords that run across the floor, or piles of magazines that may hinder open walkways.
- Install assistive devices such as handrails, grab bars, and non-slip mats to give you assistance when you need it most.
Establish Healthy Habits: Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” These small, simple habits go a long way in helping prevent a fall.
- Exercise 2-3 times a week to help build strength and balance.
- Have your vision checked regularly – at least once a year. Keeping your prescription lenses up to date is a small thing that yields big benefits.
- See your doctor for an annual checkup. This visit can help detect any issues that might affect your balance such as bone health or low blood pressure. Discuss any medications that you may be taking, as many of these can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Falls can be prevented. Some small acts of prevention can yield big returns for your safety. Making your home safer and establishing some healthy habits can help you and your loved ones be safer this fall season and all year long.
Dr. Russell D. Weisz is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a one-year fellowship in orthopedic traumatology. Dr. Weisz has performed a tremendous amount of minimally invasive hip fracture surgeries and is committed to staying in the forefront of treating complex fractures and fractures that don’t heal. The physicians at South Palm Orthopedics are committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care to every patient.
¹www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html