Top 5 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Falls

Fall-prevention step 1: Make an appointment with your doctor

You and your doctor can take a comprehensive look at your environment, your health and your medications to identify situations when you’re vulnerable to falling.

Fall-prevention step 2: Remove home hazards

Clutter can get in your way and so can the decorative accents in your home. To make your home safer, remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways. Move coffee tables, and side tables from high-traffic areas. Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing. Repair loose, wooden floorboards and carpeting right away. Store clothing, dishes, food and other household necessities within reach. Be sure to immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food. Use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower. Those are a few of the basicis. You can hire a geriatic care manager to evaluate your home.

Fall-prevention step 3: Keep moving

Activities such as walking and water workouts are great for aerobic activity.You can even try tai-chi ,which is very popular. These activities reduce your risk of falls by improving your strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.

Fall-prevention step 4: Wear sensible shoes

High heels, slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall. Have your feet measured each time you buy shoes. Buy properly fitting shoes with nonskid soles. Choose shoes that lace-up shoes instead of slip-ons.

Fall-prevention step 5: Light up your home

Keep your home brightly lit with 100-watt bulbs or higher to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Don’t use bulbs that exceed the wattage rating on lamps and lighting fixtures since this can present a fire hazard.