Every year, over two million senior citizens seek emergency medical care for injuries caused by a fall. And while not all falls are preventable, having the insight to take some basic precautions in your day-to-day life can help you prevent potentially serious injuries associated with falling. Here are just a few simple ways all seniors can reduce their risk of a slip and fall injury.
Read medication labels carefully and understand the side effects.
If you’re taking any prescription medications, make sure to read their labels very thoroughly. Many have side effects that can impact your balance and make you more prone to falls. Others may react with alcohol, which can also make a person more clumsy and fall-prone. Be responsible when it comes to dealing with the side effects of medications and mixing medications themselves.
Use a cane or a walker, even when walking indoors.
You may not think you need one, but you never know when it could come in handy: countless older Americans use a cane or a walker to navigate safely at home or when they’re out. A cane or a walker is a great way to find the perfect level of freedom, mobility, and of course, safety.
Know how to fall.
It may seem off, but some falls are simply unpreventable. With that in mind, it’s helpful to know how to minimize serious injury risk if a fall does occur. You can do this by knowing how to fall in such a way that it reduces broken bone risk:
“Try to fall forwards or backwards (on your buttocks), because if you fall to the side you may break your hip. You can also use your hands or grab things around you to break a fall. Some people wear extra clothes to pad their hips or use special hip pads,” says NIH.
Keep in mind that these tips are particularly important for those who suffer from ongoing bone issues. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affects approximately 27 million Americans.
Ultimately, these tips make it easier than ever to prevent a potentially dangerous fall while preserving your freedom and mobility as much as possible. That being said, if you do suffer from a fall, it’s always important to visit an urgent care center to get a proper diagnosis through MRI imaging and other diagnostic imaging. For more information about emergency medical care or minor emergency services, contact us today.
