Andrea M. Kane wrote several interesting articles about fall prevention for (Arthritis Today: May/June 2011). These articles caught my eye because they weren’t just about little old ladies creeping around with walkers; they were for the rest of us. You may not be willing to admit it yet, but most of us have a few little issues related to lower extremity disorders. Rheumatic diseases, degenerative joint conditions, foot problems such as Plantar Fasciitis or Diabetic Neuropathy, muscle weakness or anything else that affects balance can contribute to a fall.
Nearly a third of people over 65 have experienced a fall or at least a near fall. You don’t have to be among the “oldest of the old” to have this happen. A fall after you reach maturity is traumatic. The days of rolling gracefully onto your shoulder are over, and you are more apt to go splat than anything. You may be lucky enough not to break anything, but the jarring and the muscle pulls aren’t fun either.
The recommendations by Ms. Kane (in conjunction with the American and British Geriatric Society) are very basic. These recommendations are not just for old people. It is really important that you do not wait until after that first fall to start thinking along these lines:
- Do not multi-task while walking. No texting and no talking on the phone when you are walking.
- Do exercises that build strength while improving flexibility, coordination and balance.
- Get your eyes tested and have vision problems corrected.
- Make your home safer. You already know that clutter is bad and that rugs can do you in.
- Medication side effects can contribute to drowsiness or dizziness.
- Wear shoes. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slippery soles can be deadly. Take off those bedroom scuffs and put real shoes on your feet first thing in the morning.
- Know where your pet is at all times. A large dog can knock you off balance and a small dog or cat sliding between your feet, well what can I say.
- Reorganize. This is a good one. This is something that we know we need to do but we just don’t get to it. Keep things that you use regularly within easy reach and stay off from that step ladder.
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