Feature Health and wellbeing news and information from The Hills Districts and Surrounds.
Minimising The Risk of Falls
As we age the risk of falling increases for several reasons. Balance relies on eyesight, balance receptors in our ears and our ability to feel the floor from information from our feet and joints. However other factors also increase your risk and advice could be sought from a suitably trained Physiotherapist as they are trained to assess and identify what factors are increasing the likelihood of falls and help reduce those risks. Eyesight: Keep your glasses clean, have regular eyesight tests, and turn on a bedside light when you go to the toilet overnight. Problems in your inner ear (Vestibular changes) can cause dizziness and may be helped by specific treatment by a suitably trained Physiotherapist. Joint stiffness/ swelling: reduces the ability to balance and can be improved with exercise. Strength: loss of strength can slow down your ability to react quickly if you stumble, and can be improved regardless of age. Healthy eating: can maintain muscle mass and strength. Incontinence: hurrying to the toilet can increase the risk of falls particularly at night and is often made worse by not drinking enough water or lack of exercise. Dehydration from lack of water or drinking alcohol: this can affect Blood pressure (see below) and our brain’s reaction times if we stumble. Blood pressure: low blood pressure, or drops in your blood pressure as you change position such as going from lying to standing overnight can make you unsteady. Medication: some medications can have side effects which may cause dizziness. Speak to your GP if a new medication may be making you dizzy.
Poorly fitting footwear or long loose clothing: can make you more likely to slip, trip or stumble. Trip hazards in the home: loose rugs, wires, cluttered floors, poor lighting, slippery or uneven flooring and climbing to reach high cupboards can all potentially lead to falls. Make a plan to get help: Pendant alarms, mobile phones and intercoms can all be used to get help. Have a plan on how someone can get into your house if you fall, to prevent you lying on the floor for a long time. Physios may be able teach you ways of how to get up from the floor safely, or teach your carers to help you get up safely. Physios can also screen for falls risk factors and provide specific exercises to improve balance strength and reduce joint stiffness. PhysioRESOLVES in trained on Falls Risk Assessment and helping you reduce your risk of falls. Call for an appointment today on 0435 087 650
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www.exquisitefitnessbrisbane.com The Hills Echo, February 2019 - Page 15