I fell a couple of weeks ago. I was out walking and stumbled over a sidewalk pushed up by a tree roots. It was a reminder of what could happen if I were to fall in just the right way even in my home. I am one of the 33% people over 65 that fall every year. If I were 80, that would increase to 50%. Take a minute and see if you are doing what you should. It is important because -
- The cost of fall-related injuries is projected to reach nearly $55 billion by 2020—CDC’s National Center for Injury and Prevention Control.
- The majority of falls take place in the home.
This infographic shows you all the ways you can protect yourself from falling in your home. See if you are taking care of your health by preventing accidents. Then take a look around both inside your home and outside. These are the points they listed:
- Be mindful of medications that may you dizzy.
- Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub.
- Turn on the lights! Living in the dark is not only bad for your mental health it can also be a safety hazard.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Be sure electrical cords and clutter don't trip you up.
- Get rid of the throw rugs. I know they are nice but they are still very dangerous.
- Stay fit.
- Wear good shoes
- If you live in a place that is icy in the winter consider getting shoes that will help prevent slipping.
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| Infrographic in better detail here. |
Now my friends please don't dig in and be stubborn. This is not all about you. My grandfather fell on my aunts front step and broke his hip. A fellow bloggers suffered the tragic death of her husband in a fall outdoors in the winter. The point is you also need to protect your friends and family.
When it comes to strangers or guests in your home, you need to remember that you may be held accountable for an accident on your property. I was not broken when I fell in front of a neighbors house but if I had been, my insurance company probably would have gone after the homeowner or their insurance company. The liability was certainly there.
Keep in mind that preventing falls is a lot cheaper than paying for them!
NOW, get up out of your computer chair and go out for a walk! Why? Because I told you to. Just watch where you are walking...don't fall! :)
Just a thought!
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Note: I received this information from Amedisys and was not paid to write this...I think it is important.
Oh.....I gather you are OK?
ReplyDeleteFalls are a big problem as we age. A fall directly contributed to my Mom's death and left my Dad with permanent back problems when he tried to help her up.
My house is on three different levels, so I'm very aware of going up and down stairs carefully, especially with the vacuum cleaner. Several times I have almost missed a step when not paying attention. Seems silly to be so cautious...until you fall! So I'll take those steps carefully, thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteI am fine...thank goodness. Thank you for the comments.
ReplyDeleteI might add...the good diet that keeps our bones strong is what makes such a difference. If a different person had taken that fall, the outcome would have been very very different.
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