𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 — 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟮𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Today is Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency visits and a major cause of disability and death for older adults. Small changes at home and in daily routines can dramatically reduce risk. Share this post to help protect a neighbor, friend or family member.

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀
- 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗵𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀: secure loose rugs, coil or tape long cords, clear walkways.
- 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: add night lights in hallways, stairs and bathrooms; use brighter bulbs.
- 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗽 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘀: install grab bars by toilets and in showers; use non-slip bath mats.
- 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿: choose sturdy, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles — avoid slippers with poor grip.
- 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝘀: ask a pharmacist or provider about side effects (dizziness, low blood pressure) that increase fall risk.
- 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: balance and strength exercises (sit-to-stand, heel raises, Tai Chi) reduce falls.
- 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲: schedule annual eye exams and update glasses as needed.
- 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆: walkers and canes should be fitted and used properly.
- 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻: consider a medical alert device or a phone within reach; set up quick-check calls with family or neighbors.

If you care for an older adult, start with a brief home-safety walk-through and a medication review this week. Small actions save lives.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀
- Talk with your primary care provider or pharmacist about fall risk.
- Ask about local balance classes or community programs for older adults.

Share to raise awareness — one post could prevent a fall.

#FallsPrevention #FallsPreventionAwarenessDay #PreventFalls #SeniorSafety #OlderAdultHealth #HomeSafety #BalanceAndStrength #MedicationSafety #VisionHealth #SafeFootwear #FallFree #CommunityHealth #PublicHealth #SCABPharmacy

Samurai-Inspired Exercises May Help Seniors Prevent Falls and Strengthen Knees

A study conducted by researchers from Tohoku University in Japan found that the daily practice of Rei-ho, an ancient Japanese movement routine, can improve knee strength in seniors, potentially reducing the risk of falls. Rei-ho involves slow, mindful movements such as squats and sit-to-stand exerci... [More info]

Step up your fall prevention game: How your shoes could be putting you at risk

#FallsPrevention #ShoeSafety #PatientCare

Sheetal Gambhir is a geriatrician.

https://youtube.com/shorts/TH7foIugFtU

Listen here: https://kevinmd.com/podcast

It does not take much effort to begin your own falls prevention program:
#fallsprevention #personalhealth

https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/nobody-wants-a-broken-hip-in-their-future-these-low-pressure-moves-will-help-20221123-p5c0n0.html