What you can do to prevent falls: STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries)

Four things YOU can do to prevent falls:

1. Talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risks and prevention.

Tell a provider right away if you fall, worry about falling or feel unsteady. Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over the counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines or combinations of medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Ask your provider about taking Vitamin D supplements to improve bone, muscle and nerve health.

2. Exercise to improve your balance and strength:

Exercises that improve balance and make your legs stronger, lower you chances of falling. It also helps you feel better and more confident. An example of this kind of exercise is Tai Chi. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling.

As your doctor or healthcare provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

3. Have your eyes and feet checked:

Once a year, check your with your eye doctor and update your eyeglasses if needed. You may have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Also, have your healthcare provider check your feet once a year. Discuss proper footwear and ask whether seeing a foot specialist is advised.

4. Make your home safer:

*Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.

*Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.

*Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.

*Have grab bars put in next to and inside the tub and next to the toilet.

*Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.

*Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.

*Have handrails and lights installed on all staircases.

*Wear well-fitting shoes with good support inside and outside the house.

Talk to your doctor about fall prevention.

Many falls can be prevented. By making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling. Four things YOU can do to prevent falls:

*Have your healthcare provider review your medicines.

*Exercise to improve your balance and strength.

*Have your eyes and feet checked.

*Make your home safer.

For more information, contact Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636) or visit http://www.cdc.gov/steadi

https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html

For information about fall prevention, visit go.usa.gov/xN9XA

For more information about hypotension, visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/www.webmd.com

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from a CDC pamphlet on Falling and I give them full credit for this information. Please call, email and check out their website on fall preventions.