What You Can Do to Prevent Falls
Many falls can be prevented. By
making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling.
Four things YOU
can do to prevent falls:
-
Begin a regular
exercise program
-
Have your health care
provider review your medicines
-
Have your vision
checked
-
Make your home safer
1. Begin a regular
exercise program
Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower
your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel
better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi)
are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases
your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or health care provider
about the best type of exercise program for you.
2. Have your health care
provider review your medicines
Have your doctor or pharmacist review
all the medicines you take,
even over-the-counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines
work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of
medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall.
3. Have your vision
checked
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.
You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma
or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your
chances of falling.
4. Make your home safer
About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:
-
Remove things you can
trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and
places where you walk.
-
Remove small throw
rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
-
Keep items you use
often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
-
Have grab bars put in
next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
-
Use non-slip mats in
the bathtub and on shower floors.
-
Improve the lighting
in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see
well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
-
Have handrails and
lights put in on all staircases.
-
Wear shoes both inside
and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
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