Fall Prevention Long Island
Did you know that every day inthe United States 5,000 adults age 65 and above are hospitalized due to fall-related injuries?
CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Common fall risks include:
• fallen before
• balance problems
• muscle weakness
• problems walking
• arthriƟ s
• depression
• memory problems
• hazards in the home
• taking many medicaƟ ons
• vision problems
Stay healthy, independent, and strong by following these easy steps:
Find out your fall risk
- Talk with your doctor about your fall risk, especially if you have any of the risks listed
Review your medications - Bring all your medications to your pharmacist or health professional at least once a year
- Ask about any side effects and ways your medications may affect each other
Have your vision checked
- Have an eye doctor check your vision and eyeglass prescriptions each year
Engage in regular physical activity
- Ask your doctor what types of activities are best for you
- Make an activity plan that fits with your interests and what you are able to do
- Do exercises that improve lower body strength and balance
Check your home and make changes for safety
- Use a home safety checklist or get a referral from your doctor for a professional (such as an occupational therapist) to check your home for fall risks
- Remove clutter
- Improve lighting in rooms, hallways, and stairwells
- Install grab bars and handrails inside and outside the home
- Consider placing a phone in every room and/or getting an emergency alert response system to use in case of a fall