By Dr. John C. Kagan, M.D.
As we age, our risk for falling increases. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of three people 65 and older falls each year, and one out of five falls results in a serious injury. A fall can be a life-
changing event, however, there are many means by which seniors can help prevent falls, and maintain health and independence. This begins by taking steps to improve the safety of your home.
Falls are the leading cause of injury to seniors in the United States. Yet simple adjustments to the inside of your home, such as rearranging your furniture or increasing the lighting, can drastically reduce this risk. Consider making the following changes in your home to enhance the safety of your space.
• Create a clear pathway by rearranging furniture
• Remove loose throw rugs or secure them using slip-resistant padding beneath your rugs
• Eliminate clutter in walkways
• Repair loose or uneven flooring
• Store items within reach, and safely in cabinets and drawers
• Keep a lamp within reach to the bed
• Use non-slip mats and install grab bars in showers, bathtubs and next to toilets
• Have handrails and lights installed on staircases
• Improve lighting, install motion detector lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways
• Wear properly fitted shoes with slip-resistant soles
• Get up slowly after you sit or lie down
• Utilize a medical alert device in the event of a fall
In addition to taking precautionary steps to improve the safety of your home, it is also important to maintain your overall health to ensure that your body is performing its best when you are on the move. Schedule an appointment annually to have your vision and eyewear evaluated by a medical professional. Maintain an active lifestyle with regular exercise routines dedicated to improving balance, muscle tone, strength and coordination. Finally, gauge any side effects caused by medications you are taking, and have your health care provider or pharmacist review your prescriptions if you are at risk of, or experiencing, dizziness or sleepiness due to your medications.
If a fall should occur, remember that you should not try to break your fall by extending your arms. Instead, you can raise your arm to protect your head as you attempt to fall on your bottom or side. The most important thing to remember after a fall is to not panic, so take a deep breath and then assess the current situation to determine if you are injured. You can then slide or crawl to the nearest couch or chair to try to get up. If you are unable to get up, call for help or carefully crawl to the nearest telephone to call 911 or relatives for assistance.
If you have questions regarding the steps you can take to prevent falls or injuries, Dr. John C. Kagan and his staff are ready to answer all of your questions. Dr. Kagan has more than 30 years of experience as an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist treating patients in Southwest Florida. He specializes in treating patients with knee, shoulder and hip pain, as well as general orthopedics and hand surgery. For more information, visit www.kaganortho.com or call 239-936-6778.