As we age, fall prevention becomes an important topic to contemplate. Health conditions, medications, and general changes to the body as we age add to the risk of a significant injury from falling. That’s why it’s essential to consider strategies that help to reduce our fall risk.
Talk to your healthcare provider
Determine your overall fall risk by discussing factors that can result in injury from a fall.
- Recent falls. It’s important to let the provider if you have had a fall (or near fall) in the past year-and if any of those falls have caused an injury. Understanding what may have caused the fall is also important. Falls due to lightheadedness or dizziness may be treated differently than those caused by tripping or other accidents.
- Discuss your current medications. Pain medications and sleeping pills routinely cause drowsiness that increase unsteadiness. Some medications can cause bones to be more fragile, increasing your fracture risk. Prescription medications can also have side effects or medication interactions that cause increased drowsiness. Over the counter medications like anti-histamines such as allergy medications may have similar effects on the body. It’s important to discuss all medications or infusions you currently take with your provider to determine the best therapeutic medication plan.
- Your medical history. Many health conditions can lead to a higher fall risk. Diabetes can cause you to become lightheaded, or can create numbness and tingling in your legs and feet. Diseases causing shortness of breath can increase your risk by reducing your oxygen supply. Some disorders of the ear lead to vertigo or dizziness. Previous strokes (or mini-strokes) can cause difficulties with your gait. Additionally any condition that affects your vision can also increase your fall risk.
- Physical activity and mild exercise. Discuss what activities are best for you based upon your history and current fitness level. Walking, water aerobics, stretches, or chair exercises can all improve strength, balance, and flexibility to help reduce the risk of falling. Be sure to use appropriate footwear with nonskid soles and flat shoes-which can also help reduce joint pain.
- Keep your home environment safe. Always use any assistive devices (canes, walkers, glasses). Be aware of any hazards in and around your home. Consider the following ideas to make your home safer:
- Make sure walkways are clear from clutter, electrical cords, books, or shoes; and they are properly lit.
- Secure area rugs with double-faced tape or a slip-resistant backing (or remove loose rugs if not needed). Never place scatter rugs at the bottom of stairs.
- Move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
- Use rails and banisters when going up and down the stairs. Use nonslip treads for bare-wood steps Be sure to turn on lights before using stairs.
- Store necessities (food, clothes, medications, phone) within easy reach.
- Immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food.
- Use nonslip mats and grab bars in your bathtub or shower. Use a bath seat, which allows you to sit while showering. Hand held shower nozzles can be helpful.
- Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
- Place a lamp within reach of your bed in case you need to get up in the middle of the night.
You are probably aware that a healthy diet benefits you physically, mentally and socially. Reducing alcohol intake will also reduce your risk of falls.
If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, maintain your medication regime and supplements as prescribed.
If necessary, ask your health care provider for a referral to a physical therapist to help you consider fall prevention strategies.
Want to discuss with a healthcare provider?
Contact Lebanon Internal Medicine today.
Call (717) 273-6706 to learn more about LIMA or to schedule an appointment.
