Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Early Spring 2017

STAY STEADY ON YOUR FEET Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute on Aging Aging may be inevitable, but falls among older adults don’t have to be. Every year, more than one-third of U.S. adults 65 and older take a fall. Yet many of these mishaps could be avoided with a few preventive steps. Prevention is important—once you’ve fallen, you may find yourself dealing with a laceration, a hip fracture or even a traumatic brain injury. You may end up in the hospital after a bad tumble. And in some cases, serious falls and their complications result in death. To take an active role in sidestepping such accidents and injuries, try the following tips: Get free vision and health screenings at the Juneau Community Health Fair on Saturday, March 18. Go to our Calendar of Events at www .bartletthospital.org for more information. Exercise regularly. Improving your balance, coordina- tion and overall strength greatly lowers your chance of falling. Talk with your doctor to see what type of exercise program is right for you. Choose the right shoes. Low-heeled and rub- ber-soled shoes help keep your feet securely on the ground. Walk- ing around in socks, backless shoes or floppy slippers raises the risk that you may lose your footing. Get a vision exam. Glaucoma, cataracts and other eye problems can interfere with vision. Proper eye care and the correct eyewear will help you steer clear of obstacles in your path. Modify your living space. Most falls happen at home, but minor modifications can reduce by half your risk of falling in your residence: w w Remove clutter from stairs and floors. w w Use nonslip rugs and mats. w w Keep all areas adequately lighted. w w Place handrails along stairs and in showers and tubs. w w Put nonslip treads on vinyl-covered and wood steps. w w Keep electrical cords out of the way. Have a medication review. Blood pressure pills, heart medicine and muscle relaxants are among the medications that can make you feel confused, slow or dizzy. Visit with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure your medicines aren’t increasing the risk of a tumble. www.bartletthospital.org 9