Fall Prevention

Fall Prevention. Falls are a high priority concern for middle age and older people since they are at increased risk for bone fractures and other fall-related injuries. Using a cane or eventually a walker helps many individuals to be steadier and more confident while walking. Some of the reasons, clients cite for falling are: tripping on something, their legs just “giving out”, and feeling dizzy. One often overlooked cause of unsteadiness and lightheadedness is dehydration. As we age, our sense of thirst tends to decrease – so it is important that we consciously make sure to drink plenty of water every day. An easy way to help fight the dehydration that can occur over the course of the night is to keep a glass of water on your night stand. When you wake up, sit up and drink the water before getting out of bed. Also, squeezing your calves and circling your ankles *before you get out of bed* will help increase your lower body circulation and make you feel steadier when you do get up and on your feet. For more fall prevention tips, check out   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fall-prevention/HQ00657   .