|
Preventing falls is important at any
age, but it is especially important for
those who have osteoporosis because
their bones are more fragile and easily
broken. Each
year, about one-third of individuals 65
years of age or older will fall, and
some will be disabled by the broken
bones that can follow.
In many cases, a fall
can be precipitated by medications such
as sedatives, muscle relaxants, and
blood pressure drugs that can cause
dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of
balance. When two or more medications
are used in combination, these side
effects may be aggravated. Falls also
result from diminished vision, hearing,
muscle strength, coordination, and
reflexes and from diseases that affect
balance.
This safety
checklist can help you eliminate many
common household hazards:
Floors. Remove
all loose wires, cords, and throw rugs.
Minimize clutter. Make sure rugs are
anchored and smooth. Keep furniture in
its accustomed place.
Bathrooms.
Install grab bars and non-skid tape in
the tub or shower.
Lighting. Make
sure halls, stairways, and entrances are
well lit. Install a night light in your
bathroom. Turn lights on if you get up
in the middle of the night.
Kitchen.
Install non-skid rubber mats near sink
and stove. Clean spills immediately.
Stairs. Make
sure treads, rails, and rugs are secure.
Other precautions.
Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes. Keep
your intake of alcoholic beverages to a
minimum. Ask your doctor whether any of
your medications might cause you to
fall.
Download
NOF's Beat The Break: Home Safety
Checklist
Download the Center for Disease
Control's article
"Self-Reported
Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among
Persons Aged >65 Years — United States,
2006"
Download the article's
talking points
New
members of the NOF family receive our
quarterly newsletter, Osteoporosis
Report, and a copy of our newly revised,
100-page handbook, Boning Up on
Osteoporosis. Renewing members receive
NOF's quarterly newsletter.
JOIN THE NOF FAMILY NOW |
