6 Steps to help prevent falls.

According to the NCOA every 11 seconds an elderly person is seen in an emergency department for a fall related injury.

Here are 6 steps to help prevent falls:

1.  Work on building up strength, flexibility, and balance.  Find an exercise class and take a friend to make it fun.
2. Ask your doctor for an assessment to test your risk of falling.  Make sure to provide your doctor with your history on falling.
3. Watch what medicines you take and review them with your doctor regularly.  Watch for certain side effects that could increase your risk of falling such as dizziness.
4. Have your vision and hearing screened regularly.
5. Check your home and keep it safe.  Remove any hazards that might cause you to fall.  Increase your lighting.  Install grab bars/rails anywhere that might be a fall risk.
6. Talk to your family.  Make them aware of your fall risk.  Ask for their help making your home is safe and hazard free.

If you have more questions about your risk of falling, talk to Dr. Brian Gale, DPM, FACFAS.  Schedule an appointment at Dakota Foot & Ankle Clinic by Contacting Us at Our Bismarck Office 701-255-3338.

www.ncoa.org

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