As the leaves are changing to beautiful colors of orange, red, and yellow and the air has a wonderful crispness to it, there is another fall related item to consider. While you are probably thinking about pumpkin spice lattes and a walk through a corn maze, we are actually talking about Fall Prevention Awareness.

September is the official Fall Prevention Awareness Month, however hospitals and organizations such as The National Institutes of Health, the Center for Disease Control, and the National Council on Aging continue educating people about fall prevention throughout the year. The risk of falling increases significantly as we age and falls can change a person’s life forever. Fractures, hospitalization, and disability can occur when an older adult has a fall. According to the NIH, over one in four adults over the age of 65 has a fall each year. The great news is many falls are preventable! Here are six tips to protect you or someone you care about from a potentially life altering fall.

• Make your home safer. Falls commonly happen within the home. Installing grab bars around toilets and showers help to stabilize and support people as they transition to and from sitting and standing or from getting in and out of a bathtub/shower. Secure loose carpets and rugs to the floor to prevent a tripping hazard. Plug in a nightlight to illuminate a dark walkway to the bathroom at night. Do not stand on a piece of furniture or a ladder. Have a neighbor, friend, family member or hired helper replace that light bulb for you. Keep commonly used items between waist and shoulder height for easier access.

• Stand up slowly to avoid dizziness. When we take certain medications or stand up too quickly, we can have a sudden drop in blood pressure that makes us prone to dizziness. This can lead to unsteady footing or fainting. 

• Use a cane or a walker if you need a bit more stability at home or when you go out into the world. We know this one is hard for some people, but hear us out; it is better than having a preventable fall.

• Talk to your doctor about medications and side effects. There are medications that can cause side effects such as dizziness, a sudden drop in blood pressure or seizures. Keep a careful list of medications and dosages to discuss with a health care provider(s) regularly. Also, get regular checkups to prevent falls from diseases such as heart disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes.

• Get your hearing and vision regularly checked. If you don’t see or hear something that can cause a fall, you are likely going to increase your chances of a preventable fall.

• Find a good balance and exercise program that is the right level for you. This is an important preventative measure that includes balance and strengthening exercises and one that our practitioners can help you with. Other options include visiting a local senior center for a class, visiting a yoga studio, trying out a Tai Chi class, or trying an online class at the appropriate level. Proprioception (balance), muscle strength, and coordination significantly reduce the chance of a fall. Talk to a health care provider before starting an exercise program.

There is so much more to add to this discussion. For more excellent information about falls and fall prevention, talk to your chiropractor or another health care provider well versed in fall prevention and visit: 

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

800-232-4636 

National Falls Prevention Resource Center

571-527-3900

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modifications

213-740-1364

Rebuilding Together

800-473-4229