How to Prevent Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an older adult is treated for a fall in an emergency room every 18 seconds. Because some falls can be serious or even fatal, it is important to try to prevent them.

In this edition of Health & Wellness News, we will talk about the causes of most falls and what you can do to avoid them in your day to day activities.

According to the American Academy for Family Physicians (AAFP), falling is the number one cause of accidents for people over age 65. But falls are not just the result of getting older. Researchers at Colorado State University have identified four major medical factors that contribute to most falls as well as tips to try and prevent them.

1. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone condition in which bones become more porous and lose their density. It is more likely to develop with age and is more prevalent in women. The more brittle the bones become, the more likely they are to break when a person falls.

What you can do
According to the Mayo Clinic getting adequate calcium and Vitamin D is an important factor in reducing your risk of osteoporosis. If you already have osteoporosis, getting adequate calcium and vitamin D, as well as other measures, can help prevent your bones from becoming weaker. The amount of calcium you need to stay healthy changes over your lifetime. Eating foods rich in calcium such as milk, cheese, yogurt, fish, broccoli, soybeans, tofu and almonds is important and/or taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Speak with your healthcare provider to be sure you are getting the right amounts to protect your bones at any age.

CDC statistics show that about half of all falls happen right in the home. These simple steps can make your home a lot safer:

Whether you’re out for a stroll or running errands, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for hazards and dangers such as ice, litter, or uneven sidewalks, and concentrate on what you are doing. Most of all, move at a speed that feels comfortable and give yourself plenty of time to get to where you need to go. To increase your surefootedness, you might want to shorten the length of your step, walk flat-footed, and keep one hand free for balance.

Begin an exercise program, make your home safer, study your surroundings, and schedule an annual eye exam. All of these steps can greatly reduce your risk of falling and sustaining an unwanted injury. With a little work and a little information, the only thing that will fall this year are the statistics.

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