The winter weather is here and during the icy and snowy conditions, the incidence of injuries due to slips and falls increases. While the image of a person falling generally involves a fall from an elevation, the fact is that anyone can slip, trip, or fall from a standing position and still suffer serious injuries. Those that fall may suffer twisted ankles, bruises, concussions, broken limbs, cracked ribs, hip fractures, serious back and head injuries.
Falls are often unexpected, embarrassing and may even elicit some humour despite our inner empathetic nature. However, falls and related injuries are no laughing matter.
Falls are a common cause of injury. Most falls don't result in serious injury and are often overlooked. However, there's always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones or worse, end up in a disability or death.
Children, youth, adults, and older adults all experience falls and related injuries; however, the risk of serious fall injury is nine times greater for those over 65 years of age than for those younger.
Each year, one-third of B.C. seniors fall, and 4,000 seniors who fall sustain a hip fracture. According to the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, more than 200,000 BC seniors will experience one or more falls every year resulting in more than 10,000 hospitalizations and more than 800 direct and indirect deaths.
Nearly half of all injuries among seniors occur at home. The bathroom and stairs are particularly hazardous due to the risk of slipping, tripping and stumbling.
Medications that cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, gait or vision disturbance may also increase risk of falls.
Nonfatal injuries from a fall can result in medical complications, hospitalizations, decreased function, and premature admission to a senior’s nursing home. Loss of independence seems to be the most feared consequence of falling by seniors As a result, many falls go unreported and are hidden from family members and health care providers.
Seniors who fall may limit their activities for fear of falling again whichcan lead to reduced physical and social activity. This reduction in activity has a negative impact on quality of life, results in physical deconditioning, and can increase the risk of falling. Maintaining physical activity is essential if you wish to prevent falls and injury.
Seniors' falls and injuries cost Canadians $3 billion per year. The good news is that falling can be prevented.
Here are some tips that can help us prevent falls:
Be active - Poor balance and weak muscles increase your risk of falling. Maintaining a high level of balance and mobility is essential to successful aging.
Take your time - Rushing through everyday activities can contribute to falls. Do one thing at a time, pay attention to what you are doing and be sure you have your balance before you walk. Take special care when entering or exiting buildings and vehicles.
Stair safety - Use handrails and avoid using bifocals on stairs.
Make your home safe - Remove things that you might trip over such as electrical cords, throw rugs, shoes and books. Use sturdy handrails, bathroom grab bars, non-slip bath or shower mats and well fitted shoes.
Light your way inside and outside your home - Use night-lights at night.
Have regular check-ups - Medication use can increase your chance of falling so have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medication you take. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Have your eyes checked by an optometrist once a year. Good vision can reduce your risk of falling.
Invest in a good non-slip pair of indoor and outdoor footwear.
We all have a role to play in lowering the risk of falls and injuries.
If you are a business, inspect parking lots and walkways for tripping and slipping hazards and maintain the areas around your business. Report any areas of concern to the city if it falls under their jurisdiction.
Many municipalities are looking at way of developing age-friendly communities that help foster the conditions under which people of all ages can be maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you have had a fall recently, talk to your doctor. For a free individualized fall risk assessment, check out Fraser Health’s no cost Fall Prevention Mobile Clinic.
Stay active and play it safe when stepping outside this winter to avoid painful and dangerous falls.
Resources:
http://www.findingbalancebc.ca/home/
http://www.fraserhealth.ca/your-health/seniors/falls-and-injury-prevention/
Sepia Sharma lives and works in Delta and feels passionate about the role vibrant and inclusive communities play in enhancing community health. She has over 20 years of experience in community development and is currently working as a community health specialist with Fraser Health.
