Making Your Environment Safe:
How to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

Did you know that falls are the most common cause of injury of Americans over 65? Falls are also the leading cause of death in the home according to the National Safety Council. Certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure, can also make falls more likely.

Patients that have osteoporosis are at greater risk if they do fall. When your bones are fragile, even a minor fall can cause one or more bones to break. A broken bone may not sound so bad, but as we get older a break can be the start of more serious health problems.

As a chronic pain patient you could be at even higher risk for falls than the average person due to balance issues and pain medications. Find out today what you can do to prevent falls in your home.

Making simple changes can make a big difference. Regular checkups, at least yearly, by your primary or family physician is recommended. Such checkups can discover problems that make someone more prone to fall. See the list of tips on this page or go to the listed website at the bottom of the page for more information.

Fall Prevention Tips

• Get rid of clutter
• Keep appliance cords out of walk areas
• Use good lighting—use nightlights
• Clean up spills immediately
• Wear proper footwear
• Avoid use of throw rugs
• Use extra caution around stairs
• Mount grab bars near toilets and tubs
• Use non-skid mats or strips in shower/tub
• Exercise regularly—this will improve balance (be sure to ask your doctor first)
• Rise slowly from a lying or seated position.

For more information go to:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/falls.htm