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Personal changes can make a difference. Falls and fractures are not an inevitable part of growing older. Many falls result from personal or lifestyle factors that can be changed. Your doctor can assess your risk of falling and suggest ways to prevent falls.
At your next check-up, talk with your doctor about your risk of falling and changes you might make. Also, let your doctor know if you’ve fallen or almost fallen. You might be referred to another health care provider who can help, such as a physical therapist.
Here are some changes you might make.
• Be physically active.
• Have your medicines reviewed.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Have your blood pressure checked when lying and standing. Get a vision check-up. Avoid multi-focal glasses when walking. Choose safe footwear.
Regular physical activity is a first line of defense against falls and fractures. Physical activity strengthens muscles and increases flexibility and endurance. Your balance and the way you walk may improve with exercise, decreasing the chances of a fall.
Strengthening muscles in the lower body can improve balance. Work with your doctor or a physical therapist to plan a physical activity program that is right for you.
This exercise uses slow, flowing movements to help people relax and coordinate the mind and body. It can also boost your self-confidence. Dancing and other rhythmic movements can help as well.
Find out about the possible side effects of medicines you take. Some medications might affect your coordination or balance, or cause dizziness, confusion, or sleepiness. Some medications don’t work well together, adding to your risk of falls.
Bring your prescribed and over-the-counter medicines with you when you visit
the doctor. Also bring any vitamins, minerals, and herbal products you are taking.
Your pharmacist can also be helpful in answering your questions about possible side effects from medicines. Ask about how the combination of all your drugs might affect your balance or walking, or your risk of falling. Never stop taking your medications unless you talk with your doctor first.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even a small amount can affect your balance and reflexes. In older adults, too much alcohol can lead to balance problems and falls, which can result in hip or arm fractures and other injuries. Older people have thinner bones than younger people, so their bones break more easily. Studies show that the rate of hip fractures in older adults increases with alcohol use.
Some older people have normal or increased blood pressure while seated, but their blood pressure drops too much on standing. There is no way to know unless you check. Tell your doctor if you feel faint or unsteady when you get up from sitting or lying down.
Even small changes in sight can make you less stable. Have your vision checked regularly or if you think it has changed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This person can provide visual devices if you need them and teach you how to use them. He or she can also offer helpful suggestions about the best lighting for you and about not wearing your multi-focals when you walk or use the stairs.
If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. If you are at increased risk for or have any age-related eye disease, you may need to see your eye care professional more often.
Our feet have nerves that help us judge the position of our bodies. To work correctly, our feet need to be in touch with the ground and our shoes need to stay securely with the foot as we take each step. Otherwise, falls may occur.
It’s important to select your footwear carefully to help prevent falls. Wear sensible, low-heeled shoes that fit well and support your feet. There should be no marks on your feet when you take off your shoes and socks.
Your shoes should completely surround your feet. Wearing only socks or wearing floppy, backless slippers or shoes without backs can be unsafe. Also, choose shoes with non-slip soles. Smooth soles can cause you to slip on waxed or polished floors.
President of Heart, Body, & Mind Home Care
Heart Body & Mind Home Care is committed to the principle that it takes more than just effort to provide care to another human being – it takes heart. Our hearts are in all that we do. If you are interested in learning more about our compassionate home care and wellness services in Southwest Florida, including Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota Counties, please Contact us at (866) 488-1485.
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12670 World Plaza Lane
Bldg 62, Suite 2
Fort Myers, FL 33907
