Prevent Falls before They Happen

Falls can be a serious health risk, especially for older adults. Keeping your body as strong and agile as possible and making your surroundings safe are the best ways to reduce the risk of injury from falls.

Make Your Home Safer

Most falls occur at home. There are many things you can do to help make your home safer for you and those around you.

• Keep shoes, bags, books, papers, rugs, pet toys, pet food, pet bowls OFF the floor and walkways.
• Never use a chair as a step stool. Use safety step stools or ladders with bars on the sides to hold on nonskid tread surfaces.
• Place a non-slip rubber mat or a self stick strips on the tub or shower floor.
• Remove throw rugs or use tape and non-slip backing, so the rugs stay in place.
• Move furniture, so your path through a room is clear.
• Coil or tape wires or cords to the base of the wall.
• Place lamps and light switches where they can be easily reached in the dark. • Fix loose, broken or uneven steps.
• Fix loose handrails or put in new ones where needed.

Keep Your Bones Healthy

Most adults over the age of 50 need 1200 mg of calcium and 1000 to 2000 mg of Vitamin D, preferably D3 every day to keep bone strong.

Stay as Physically Active as You Can

Aim for 150 minutes of physical activity a week. That breaks down to 30 minutes on all or most days to keep your bones strong and joints flexible.

Review Your Medicines

Some prescription and over the counter medicines or a combination of them can make you sleepy or dizzy. Discuss your medication with your Physician.

Check your blood pressure. Have your vision and hearing checked regularly. Consider assistive devices to keep you stable, such as a walking stick, a cane, or a walker to help you feel steadier when you walk.