Is it fall already? Oh, yes. It is. Now is also the month to talk about Falls Prevention Awareness. Did you know that more than one out of four older Americans (65 and older) falls each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? After one fall, the likelihood of falling again doubles. This should concern us all. Falls can lead to injuries or even death.
This month, Dr. Brett Stark of Auburn Foot Care Center is back with reminders on prevention. What can you do now to prevent falls? How can you take action by looking around your home? Stick around for the rest of the post to see the right moves to make.
If you are concerned about taking a tumble or tripping, you are not alone. We also know how the fear of falling can prevent you from maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Moving around helps to strengthen your bones and muscles, which is another way to fall-proof your lifestyle.
Here are three tips:
Stick to simple spaces
Do you have too much going on with your home layout? We’re talking about clutter. If a senior loved one had to navigate around your house while you weren’t home, would you feel comfortable? Think about furniture with sharp edges or tight spaces that could make moving more challenging. Remove clutter that could clog the walkway.
Shine the light
Kids aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a nightlight. We all can use some extra light while we’re moving around the house at night. Whether we are getting a glass of water or getting up early before the sun rises, shine light in well-traveled spaces. Everyone in your home should feel comfortable if they had to make some midnight moves.
Stop with the slippery items
Slippery rugs are one of the biggest culprits. Remove them or make sure you have non-slip practices put in place. When children are running, they can slip. Older loved ones may get a foot caught if the rug is not secured. Rugs are beautiful, colorful accessories that can level up your decor. Unfortunately, they can increase the risk of a fall, too.
At Auburn Foot Care Center, Dr. Brett Stark, our board-certified podiatrist, treats a variety of conditions such as diabetic foot care, sports injuries, bunions, ingrown toenails, arthritis, and pediatric foot care. We provide quality service and advanced technology care for patients in Lee County. Contact our office at 334-466-1401. We are in Auburn, Alabama. Our address is 1559 Professional Parkway. We also offer telemedicine appointments.
