Steps you can take to avoid falls - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

By Diane Griffith
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As we age, our chances of falling increase. After age 75, falling becomes the number one cause of accidental death. But if you take the right precautions, you can help prevent falls from happening.

Aging and falls
Problems with our hearing or sight can throw off our balance and coordination. Inactivity can affect muscle strength and joint flexibility, making it hard to walk. Many medical conditions can affect your ability to get around. These include diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, blocked arteries and Alzheimer's. Plus, certain medications can cause you to become dizzy or lightheaded.

See your doctor
Tell your doctor if you are having trouble with your balance. Give him or her a list of the medications you take (along with their dosages). Also provide details about when, where and how you have fallen - or come close to falling. Describe how you felt when this happened, including any dizziness, shortness of breath, numbness or joint pain.

Your doctor will try to find out the cause of your problem and correct it if possible. He or she may also recommend any of the following, depending on the cause:

• An exercise program. Walking, aquatic exercise and tai chi are a few activities that can help improve balance, coordination, strength and flexibility.
• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can plan a program to help improve your balance, muscle strength and manner of walking.
• Assistive devices. These include canes, walkers, crutches or anything else that would make walking easier.

Home improvements
Most falls at home can be prevented with some simple changes. If you haven't already, make sure to do the following:

• Keep your home brightly lit.
• Put night lights in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms.
• Wear shoes that fit properly. Make sure they have nonskid soles.

If you have trouble with strength or flexibility, ask a friend or relative to:

• Move furniture and clutter out of heavily traveled areas
• Use two-sided tape to secure loose rugs to the floor
• Put colored tape on top and bottom steps of stairway to create contrast between levels
• Install grab bars in the tub and next to the toilet

Other considerations

• Get enough calcium and vitamin D. A lack of these nutrients can cause osteoporosis, which in turn can lead to brittle bones and fractures.
• Stay physically active. Inactivity decreases strength, muscle tone, bone mass and flexibility. This contributes to falls and makes injuries more severe.
• Reach and bend properly. Also take time to regain your balance when you rise from a chair.

Making these adjustments in your lifestyle and routine can help you avoid falls - and feel more secure both indoors and out.

View the original Steps you can take to avoid falls article on myOptumHealth.com