190916 Measures That may Reduce Your Risk of a Fall

190916 Measures That may Reduce Your Risk of a Fall

The prevention of a fall is important for those diagnosed with Osteoporosis due the fragility of the bones and the potential consequences of damage to the skeletal structure. The disabling nature of a broken bone can be devastating to an older person, especially a broken hip.

Falling results from a variety of sources. The elimination of as many of these as possible will help reduce your chances of taking a tumble. Keep in mind the older we all get the more dangerous a fall can be, especially one that breaks a hip. A few of the ways to help lower the risk of falling can be summed up into a few words-exercise to stay strong, remove the hazards in your home and regularly consult with your doctor about the medications you are taking.

Exercise by its very nature will help prevent a fall by making your body stronger and better balanced. When you lose your balance the power in your body has to be sufficient to immediately regain your equilibrium and set you back on the right path. Strength training is designed to make you stronger and this, coupled with the ABC’s of agility, balance and coordination will enable you to protect yourself to a higher degree than without these attributes.

Your home is a prime site of accident hazards that may be eliminated by simply taking the time to look it over and removing them. Start by getting rid of, or putting up all the things that you can trip over; this includes the small rugs that are notorious for slipping out from under you. If you have extension cords in the home make certain they are picked up and out of the way to prevent stumbling on them.

In the kitchen place rubber backed rugs near the sink and when water or other stuff gets on the floor clean it up promptly to eliminate that potential accident source.

Stay away from the old step stools most of us at one time had in our homes. In your bathroom have grab bars installed around the tub, shower and if need be the toilet. While you’re at it put a no slip surface in the tub and shower area and install adequate lighting so you aren’t groping around in the dark dim light. A nightlight in the bathroom is a good idea as well.
Keep your halls and doorways well lit, even better when you get up at night turn on the lights.

Wear good shoes with non-slip soles and make sure you have handrails on all of the stairs in your home. Keep your stairs in good repair and don’t set junk on the steps-keep them clear at all times; they are for walking on, not storage space.

The next time you see your doctor take in all of the medicines, herbs, vitamins and other supplements you take in each day. Some of these may interact negatively with one another and just be setting you up for a fall. Medications that treat blood pressure or muscle soreness (relaxants or sedatives) can cause dizziness and subsequent loss of balance.

Finally have your vision checked out to make certain you aren’t contending with glaucoma or cataracts. Both can limit your vision, which increases your chance of falling.

Falls occur from medications, hearing problems, lack of muscle strength, coordination difficulties and from conditions that affect balance and the reflex systems of the organism.

These basic precautions will go a long way in helping to make your home more fall proof.