Steve Schnabl is chief executive officer of Partners in Prime.
We’ve been blessed with a mild winter thus far, but here at Partners in Prime, we don’t want to chance it when it comes to safety of older adults.
That is why we are encouraging community members to learn more about fall prevention.
You may not think it can happen to you, but according to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one of every three people 65 and older falls each year.
Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes
Of those who fall, 20 percent to 30 percent suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce mobility and independence.
Plus, it increases the risk of premature death.
Now that we have your attention, what can you do to stay on your feet?
First, we encourage you to make your home a safe place.
Following are recommendations by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to making your home a safer place:
• Look at the floor in each room and make sure you have a clear path. If not, ask someone to move furniture.
Remove rugs or use double sided tape or nonslip backing to ensure they won’t slip.
Keep clutter off the floor and coil wires or tape cords next to the wall so you can’t trip over them. Put in an additional electrical outlet if necessary.
Always keep stairs free of objects, and make sure steps are not broken or uneven or the carpet is not loose. Hang a light and install a switch at the top and bottom of the stairs.
Also, consider placing reflecting tape at the top and bottom of the stairs so you can see them better.
Make sure the handrail is on tight, and install one on both sides if possible.
• In the kitchen, move items to lower cabinet shelves, and make sure you have a safe step stool with a bar to hold.
Never use a chair as a step stool.
• In the bedroom, keep a lamp close to the bed, and make sure there is a clear path to the bathroom. Use a night light.
• Finally, in the bathroom, make sure you have a nonslip mat on the floor of the tub and support rails to help you get in and out.
Need more ideas for preventing falls?
We have been offering various seminars on fall prevention, and an upcoming one runs on Wednesdays from April 4 to June 6.
Attend a general information session on the eight-week series called, “A matter of Balance” at 1 p.m. April 4 at the Hamilton Prime Club, 140 Ross Ave. The cost of the class is $20.
Learn safe exercises to increase lower body strength and more. Contact Julie McCarthy at (513) 867-1998, ext. 243 for more information or email jmccarthy@partnersinprime.org.
Don’t have time for a class?
Just make sure to keep up with a regular exercise routine that helps strengthen your body and improve your balance.
The U.S. Department Health and Human Services also recommends talking to your doctor or pharmacist to find out if you are taking medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy.
Have your vision checked at least once a year, and make sure to get up slowly after you sit or lie down.
Wear sturdy shoes, and avoid slippers and running shoes with thick soles.
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