Falls Prevention, part 1.

March 2020 newsletter.

Image and text: Canadian Chiropractic Association.

Fall Prevention, part 1

Sources: Canadian Chiropractic Association.

Did you know that one in every three Canadians over age 65 will fall at least once in a year? Falls often have serious consequences such as hip, wrist and pelvic fractures that can have a lasting impact on your quality of life. Best Foot Forward is a public education program developed by the Canadian Chiropractic Association to address the issue of debilitating falls among older Canadians. Canada’s chiropractors are committed to reducing injury and disability from falls. A chiropractor can test your strength, steadiness and balance – and give you advice on exercise and falls prevention.

Watch your step.

Check out these tips for simple things you can do to stay safely on your feet.

• Remove your reading glasses when you are walking. Always slip them off before you take a step.
• Never climb on a chair or stool to reach something. Always ask for assistance.
• If you have a pet such as a cat or dog, consider putting a bell or reflector on its collar.
• Take your time. Invest in a cordless phone that you can keep near you. Don’t rush to answer the door.
• Always sit down to put on or take off shoes and clothing. Place a chair or bench near the entranceway.
• Keep hallways and stairs free of children’s toys.
• Wear shoes or slippers with non-slip soles indoors.

Prevent Falls in the Home.  Here are some simple things you can do to make sure your home doesn’t trip you up.

 

The Bathroom

• Use a non-slip mat inside and outside the tub or shower.
• Install grab bars by the toilet and in the tub and shower area.
• Purchase a non-slip bath and shower bench to get in and out safely.
• Install a raised toilet seat to make getting on and off easier.

The Kitchen

• Replace loose scatter mats with rugs that have rubber backing.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
• Keep everyday items on shelves within easy reach.
• Make sure no extension cords cross your path.
• Never climb on a chair or stool to reach for something. Always ask for assistance.
• Use non-slip floor wax.
• Add gliders to your chairs to make moving them easier when you sit down or get up from the table.

Stairways

• Keep stairways clear of clutter that can cause you to trip.
• Ensure there are handrails on both sides of the staircase.
• Install non-slip strips on the edge of each step.
• Secure loose or wrinkled carpet.
• Ensure good lighting in stairwells.
• Make sure you can see where you are going if you are carrying something up or down the stairs.

Outdoors

• Keep a covered bucket of sand or salt near the doorway in winter to safely handle slippery conditions.
• Make sure outdoor railings and stairs are sturdy and secure.
• Keep steps and pathways clear of clutter such as yard tools, snow shovels, newspapers and wet leaves.
• Don’t juggle parcels while trying to enter the house. Make a few trips from the car with smaller packages.