See your way to avoiding falls

Reducing your risk of injury

Every year, about one out of four adults age 65 and older falls, and about 20 percent of those falls result in serious injury. According to the Centers for isease Control and Prevention, risk factors for falls include Lower-body weakness Vitamin de ciency Balance problems or difficulty walking Medications Vision problems Osteoporosis Foot pain/poor footwear Home safety hazards If you recognize some of these risk factors, you may want to ask your doctor to evaluate your risk of falling. “A complete physical exam can help determine if you have a medical condition that requires treatment to reduce your risk for falls,” says Jantzen Slater, MD, of Washington Regional’s Farmington Family Clinic. For instance, r. Slater says, some prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines can cause dizziness or sleepiness, making people more susceptible to falls. “If you’re at risk for falls, talk with your doctor about trying a lower dose of these medicines or switching to a different medicine,” he says.

Here are some of r. Slater’s other suggestions for reducing your fall risk

Check your vision.

For some people, avoiding falls may be as simple as getting an eye exam. “Poor vision can lead you to trip or misstep and fall, particularly in poor lighting,” according to r. Slater. “Make sure you get a comprehensive exam at least once every year, and wear corrective lenses if needed.” People who wear bifocal or progressive lenses may want to get a pair of glasses with only their distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. “Sometimes bifocal lenses can make judging distances during activities more dif cult and lead to falls,” r. Slater says.

Make your home safe.

“Most falls occur at home,” r. Slater says. Look for trip hazards, such as loose carpets or obstructions in walkways. Increase your home’s lighting so you can see. Add grab bars in the bathroom to help you safely navigate the tub and toilet. Add a second railing to your staircase. Wear shoes instead of socks in your house. Shoes with rubber soles will give you good grip. Add exercise to your daily routine.

“Nearly everyone can safely exercise at home with little or no equipment,” r. Slater says. Adding exercise can help treat common causes of falls such as osteoporosis, balance problems and lower body weakness. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to exercise at home.

“Most falls can be prevented,” r. Slater says. “It’s important to look at the simple things you can do to keep yourself from falling.”