Falls are the most common cause of serious injury and hospitalization for seniors, and the risk of injury increases as you age. Prevention of falls and falls injury is a priority for CVHHH so that you can stay safely and comfortably where you want to be — at home.
Angela McMann is a certified physical therapist who manages our Long Term Care Program. Here are three tips from Angela to help you reduce your risk of falls this winter season.
- Check Your Footwear Wear shoes with a good tread to improve traction on snow and ice. Consider wearing a studded overshoe for additional traction. Avoid heels and leather soles.
- Keep Winter Supplies Close Keep a shovel and salt near your entryway for easy access. Create a winter safety kit for your car that includes a shovel and salt, or kitty litter, to sprinkle on snow and ice.
- Exercise Maintain or start an exercise program this winter. Strong leg muscles are important to help you prevent falls and stay steady.
Bonus Tip Along with strong leg muscles, strong, healthy feet are key to helping you reduce falls. Don’t forget to attend one of our affordable Public Foot Care Clinics, offered multiple times a week at a location near you.
If you want to learn more about our Falls Reduction program, or to schedule a FREE Falls Reduction workshop in your community, please email Emily McKenna, Marketing Manager, or call 224-2215.