Fall Prevention Month
Fall Prevention Month
November is Fall Prevention Month in Canada!
Injuries from falls can impact anyone across the lifespan…
Did You Know?
Falls are the most common cause of Emergency Room visits in Canada.
Falls are the most common reason for traumatic brain injuries in Canadian kids under the age of 5.
Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalizations for Canadian kids under the age of 14.
Falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths and leading cause of hospitalization among older adults in Canada.
Over 30% of older adults who are hospitalized for a fall end up in long-term care.
We Can All Play a Part in Preventing Falls:
STAY ACTIVE: Build balance, strength, and flexibility through regular exercise.
DECLUTTER: Remove loose rugs and potential obstacles from walkways and hallways.
CHECK YOUR KICKS: Wear well-fitting footwear with a non-slip tread.
SHED SOME LIGHT: Improve lighting especially around stairs and landings and consider a well placed nightlight after dark.
GET A GRIP: Install handrails on both sides of steps and stairways.
GET GADGETY: Use a cane or walking sticks while moving about. Install a grab bar in your bathroom and a non-slip surface in your tub or shower.
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED: Stick to clear, designated paths and sidewalks; keeping in mind some hazards are not always easy to spot such as puddles or black ice.
HANDS OUT: To stay better balanced, keep your hands free from your pockets. This will also give you a chance to break your fall if necessary.
MOP IT UP: Clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping.
STAY HYDRATED: Not drinking enough water can contribute to feeling light headed or dizzy.
EAT WELL: Don’t skip meals - it can cause weakness and dizziness.
MIND YOUR MEDS: Check all prescription medications for possible side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, fluctuations in blood pressure, loss of coordination or balance. Take your medication as prescribed and don’t mix it with alcohol.
ASK FOR HELP: If a task seems unsafe, delegate it to someone else.
KEEP IN TOUCH: Regular check ups with your healthcare team can keep you in tip top shape. Visit your optometrist for regular eye exams, your physiotherapist for exercise/activity recommendations, your pharmacist to better understand your prescriptions, and your physician/specialists to diagnose and manage any health issues.
Special considerations for those caring for children:
Use child locks and gates to prevent access to open windows, stairs, and ledges.
Regularly inspect play equipment and toys for potential hazards or broken safety features.
When child proofing your space, get down on the child’s level. This helps to see the environment from their perspective in order to spot and correct any hazards.
What to do after a fall:
If you CAN get up…
Don’t rush. Stay calm. Check if you’re injured.
Roll to your side.
Push yourself to a side sitting position.
Slowly get onto your hands and knees.
Crawl toward a sturdy object and use it to support you as you get up
If you CANNOT get up…
Yell for help.
If you have an emergency device or phone at hand, use it.
Make noise with your cane or other object to attract attention.
Wait for help in the most comfortable position you can.
If you can, use a pillow under your head and cover with a blanket.
Try to move your joints to ease circulation and prevent stiffness.
The team at Comox Physiotherapy Clinic is happy and ready to assist you with your fall prevention goals. Give us a call at 250.339.6221 today!
Resources:
Raise awareness about fall prevention in your community. Fall Prevention Month. (n.d.). https. www.fallpreventionmonth.ca/
Health, M. of. (2017, November 29). Fall prevention. Province of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/health-safety/disease-and-injury-care-and-prevention/fall-prevention
Canada, P. H. A. of. (2016, April 28). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/you-prevent-falls.html