7 Important Tips to Help Prevent Falls
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries to seniors in the U.S.? Every 11 seconds a senior citizen visits an emergency room as the result of a fall.
Keeping our balance is important to prevent falls, as is staying active to keep muscles strong and flexible. Here are our top tips to help senior citizens prevent a disabling fall:
- Exercise more. With your doctor’s permission, walk more every day. Use the stairs whenever they are available.
- Build your strength. Lifting weights, Pilates and exercises like push-ups help build muscle mass. Keep your quads strong – you can do this easily by standing against a wall, sliding down as far as is comfortable and then pushing up again.
- Work on balance improvement. Tai chi is an excellent workout to improve your balance, as is martial arts training.
- Discuss your balance with your doctor. You may be taking medications that can increase your fall risk.
- Check your hearing and vision. Both of these senses are crucial to your balance.
- Invest in the right footwear. Always wear shoes that fit well and have non-slip bottoms. Heels should be low and look for plenty of room in the toe box.
- Do a home audit for tripping hazards. Do you have throw rugs here and there? Replace them with slip-resistant styles. Add railings to both sides of stairways and place strategic grab bars in bathrooms. Make sure that all electrical, computer and cable cords are tucked out of the way. All tubs and showers should have non-slip mats.
By making your home safer and building your strength, you will be doing all that you can to prevent falls.
We Can Help with Your Foot or Ankle Pain
For any type of foot or ankle pain, call us. Foot pain is not normal! If you have pain from bunions or any other foot or ankle condition or have suffered any type of foot injury, please call Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker or Dr. Peter C. Merrill at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. Our professional staff offers expert podiatry services at three Pima County offices: Tucson, Oro Valley and Green Valley. Please call us today at (520) 575-0800 to schedule your appointment.
