US COPD Coalition

Preventing Falls

Sep
4

Falling in the home results in millions of emergency room visits each year. And as a person ages, the risk of falling and sustaining serious injury becomes even greater. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has tips to help you reduce your risk of falling:

  • Talk openly with your health care provider about falls.
  • Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take.
  • Stay physically active to improve your balance and strength.
  • Have your eyes and hearing checked regularly.
  • See your health care provider about any foot problems. Make sure to discuss proper footwear.
  • Make your home safer. Remove things you can trip over from stairs and walkways. Have grab bars and non-slip mats in bathrooms.
  • Hold on to handrails when using stairs.

The NIH also has tips on fall-proofing your home which can be viewed here.

Learn more about fall prevention from the NIH by clicking on this link: Preventing Falls: Tips to Keep You on Your Feet