Call Annie Jeffrey Health Center at (402) 747-2031 for more information
Preventing Falls
A simple fall can change your life. Each year there are thousands of older men and women who fall and break a bone. Getting older can bring lots of changes. Your sight, hearing, muscle strength, coordination and reflexes aren’t what they used to be. Some medicines can cause dizziness.
Falls and accidents seldom just happen. There are things you can do to take care of your overall health so you will lower your chance of falling. Here are a few of them:
Ask your doctor about a bone density test – this will tell you how strong your bones are. Annie Jeffrey Health Center can provide a bone density scan for you right here in Polk County. After discussing the test results with your doctor, plan an exercise program that is right for you. Regular exercise helps keep you strong, improves your muscle tone, and keeps you flexible.
Have your vision and hearing tested often.
Find out the possible side effects of medicines you take. Some medicines affect your balance.
Limit the alcohol you drink.
Always stand up slowly after eating, lying down or resting. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop, which can make you feel faint.
Use a cane or walker to help you feel steadier when you walk. Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces.
Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes that fully support your feet.
Hold handrails when you use the stairs.
Don’t take chances. Don’t stand on a chair to reach something that is too high – use a ‘reach stick’ instead.
You can help prevent falls by making changes to unsafe areas in your home. In stairways and hallways: make sure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs, keep areas where you walk tidy and make sure all carpets are secure, have handrails on both sides of all stairs and make sure they are securely fastened. In bathrooms: mount grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower, place non-skid mats or carpets on all surfaces that may get wet, and keep a night light on. In your bedroom: put night-lights and light switches close to your bed and keep your telephone near your bed. In other living areas: keep electrical cords and telephone wires near the walls and away from walking paths, tack down all carpets and area rugs firmly to the floor, arrange your furniture and other objects so they are not in your way when you walk, make sure your sofa and chairs are a good height for you to get into and out of them easily.
Talk to your health care provider or call Annie Jeffrey Health Center at 402-747-2031 for more information about preventing falls.
