Falling........Could it happen to me?

The Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention is trying to reach every older adult with the news that falls are common and there are things that you can do about it.  There are multiple risk factors, some we can change & others just need to be managed. 

Home Hazards:  How many of us have carried an overstuffed laundry basket down the stairs?  Not good especially if you're wearing flip flops or those squishy shoes.  A safer method would be to use a laundry bag and throw it down the stairs.  When using stairs, concentrate on each step and use the handrail.  Walking paths need to be wide and clear.  Anchor those throw rugs or get rid of them.  If you're not feeling confident, stay off ladders and don't climb on chairs.

Footwear:  Heels should be no more than 1.5 inches high.  A backless shoe can come off your foot and become a tripping hazard (such as those squishy shoes I mentioned).

Sensory:  Don't walk with your reading glasses on and be careful on the stairs with bifocals (I know of a few people who ended up with nasty falls).  If you are on blood pressure medication, change positions slowly and don't try to walk if you are feeling dizzy.

Medications:  If you are on 4 or more drugs each day (counting herbs & OTC ones), your fall risk increases.  Always discuss each new drug with your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist.  Carry a medication list with you.

Balance:  Balance exercises help you practice positions you may find yourself in if you start to fall.  A simple exercise to do is to stand facing the kitchen sink.  Hold on with both hands.  Stand on your left leg for count of 5.  Stand on your right leg for count of 5.  Repeat 10 times.

If you fell today, how would you get up?  If injured, how would you get help?  The first step is to PREPARE.  Do not get up quickly.  Find something sturdy such as a piece of furniture.  Roll onto your side, turning your head, shoulders, hips, then leg.  Second step is RISE.  Push your upper body up.  Rise slowly onto your hands and knees.  Crawl to something sturdy such as a chair that you can hold on to.  Slide one foot forward so it is flat on the floor.  Third step is SIT.  Keep the other leg bent with your knee on the floor.  Rise slowly and turn your body to sit in the chair.  Sit for a few minutes before trying to do anything else.

Maybe it's time to think of having an "Help I've fallen" alert or wearing your cell phone in one of those little cases around your waist.  Remember if you have fallen once, you have a high risk of falling again.