If you had to guess the leading cause of injury among Medina County residents age 65 or older, what would it be? Did you guess falls? If so, you guessed right! Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among Medina County residents ages 65 or older. Most people don’t think about preventing falls until a bad one happens. Many falls can be avoided with lifestyle adjustments and being proactive.
Falls prevention is an important piece of healthy aging and you can take steps to prevent them. Many age-related changes such as medication side effects, loss of muscle mass, slower reflexes, changes in balance and vision changes can increase the risk of falls. Good news: there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of having a fall.
Home: Many falls happen in the living environment and simple changes can improve safety.
- Declutter or clear walkways.
- Secure or remove rugs.
- Improve lighting in dark spaces.
- Install safety equipment such as grab bars and handrails.
- Put frequently used items in reach.
- Clean up spills immediately.
Health: Physical condition and medical management play a critical role in fall risk assessment.
- Consult your healthcare provider for fall risk assessment and medications that may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Have your vision and hearing checked annually.
- Discuss chronic conditions and how they may affect balance/mobility.
Habits: Daily routines and lifestyle choices make a big impact in prevention.
- Stay active: build muscle strength, improve balance and maintain flexibility.
- Wear properly fitting, sturdy shoes.
- Slow down and think through tasks.
- Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet.
Winter safety tips:
Be cautious when shoveling snow. Overexertion can strain the heart and be a risk for falls and back injuries.
- What you can do: ask for help, take breaks, use light weight shovels or hire snow removal services.
Also, be aware of ice on sidewalks, snow covered steps, obstructions hidden under snow and wet floors.
- What you can do: Walk slowly, take shorter steps, sprinkle sand/salt/kitty litter on icy areas, wear non-slip shoes or ice grippers, or use tips on canes or walkers for better traction.
If you are interested in determining your risk of having a fall, take the following assessment and discuss your results with your doctor or healthcare provider:
https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/health-and-safety/fall-prevention/fall-risk-self-assessment-1
To learn more about fall-related injuries in Medina County, check out our Data Snapshot.
