Don't Let Falling Get You Down
By Sara Butler
Your chiropractor at The Joint is committed to helping you live your life to the fullest and healthiest. Part of staying healthy as you age is to reduce your risk of falling and sustaining injury, which can have an impact on the quality of your life. Here’s how you can reduce your risk of falling and how your chiropractor can help!
Why Prevent Falls?
Independence is something everyone values, especially as you grow older and health issues begin to limit your physical activities. Reducing your risk of falling or slipping is one way you can help to keep the independence you cherish.
Older adults have a higher risk of falling. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in three Americans over the age of 65 will suffer a serious fall every year. You can sustain serious injuries from falling, such as:
- Pelvic fracture
- Hip fracture
- Wrist fracture
Injuries from falls can have a lasting impact on your quality of life after the age of 65, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it.
Top Fall Prevention Tips
As you get older, balance can become an issue for many people. A few practical tips that can help you to reduce your chances of falling include:
- Exercise regularly – Your chiropractor can help you to create an exercise program that is right for you and helps reduce your fall risk.
- Choose good shoes – Make sure your shoes are supportive and have a good non-slip sole.
- Reduce clutter – Make sure you don’t have a lot of obstacles in your way at home and fix any rugs that may be loose so you don’t trip.
- Get evaluated – Aside from seeing your chiropractor regularly, make sure you have your hearing and sight checked every year. Also, have your chiropractor evaluate your balance and strength.
Risk Factors
So how do you know if you’re at risk of falling? A few of the biggest risk factors include:
- Being over age 65
- Taking prescription medication
- Previous falls or slips in the past year
- Suffering from stiff joints or weak muscles
- Feeling unsteady on your feet
- Having a small pet such as a dog or cat
- Rushing to get things accomplished
- Having places in your home that aren’t lit well
- Having a cluttered home
- Having difficulty getting out of the shower or bath
If any of these risk factors sounds familiar, then make sure you discuss fall prevention with your chiropractor the next time you’re at The Joint Chiropractic.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
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