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Home > News & Media > Healthy Together > Take Action to Prevent Falls
Published on September 21, 2024
Having a fall may not seem like a big deal to some but falling can have catastrophic consequences for your health, life, and independence.
September is Fall Prevention Month! Having a fall may not seem like a big deal to some but falling can have catastrophic consequences for your health, life, and independence. Falls may result in serious injury, life-altering fractures, or worse. They are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among adults ages 65 and older.1 Over 14 million, or 1 in 4 older adults, report falling every year, 1 and each year, there are about 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults.2 Having a serious fall can change the trajectory of your life.
Even if you aren’t injured during the fall, there are still potential implications regarding quality of life. People can become fearful of falling and may begin to limit their activities out of fear. When people are less active, their mobility and balance can get progressively worse, which increases their risk of fall and injury. It can be a vicious cycle. You shouldn’t wait until you start having falls to think about ways to decrease your risk.
Simple home modifications may be a good place to start for fall prevention. Remove throw rugs and clear walkways of clutter or potential tripping hazards. Make sure to have proper lighting throughout your home, especially to illuminate your pathway to go to the bathroom at night. Put grab bars and non-slip mats in your shower. Add and use railings on all stairs, as this can be a particularly dangerous place to fall.
Other modifiable factors to mitigate fall risk include getting your vision regularly assessed and using appropriate eyewear if indicated. Wear appropriate and well-fitting footwear with good tread. Make sure shoelaces are tied or opt for shoes without laces. Minimize or eliminate alcohol consumption, particularly if you also take medications. And, as we live in Vermont, don’t forget that the snow and ice are coming! Be mindful of weather impacted surfaces and invest in good boots or Yak Trax to improve traction and safety on slippery surfaces. Make sure you are getting regular exercise, including cardiovascular, strength, and balance training.
If you are worried about falling, please discuss with your doctor or provider. There may be other specific-to-you ways that can help you reduce fall risk, such as a referral to physical therapy. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
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