Falls Prevention Awareness Tips


According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA.com), an older adult seeks medical treatment in the emergency room for a fall-related injury every 13 seconds. Falls are common, but many are completely preventable. Falls at any age can be detrimental, but even more so for people who are above 60, since their body often takes a longer time to heal. 





How Do You Prevent Falls?

Work on Balance

People often fall because they lose their balance. They may trip, such as over a root while on a walk, or they may just have poor balance. Regardless of the reason, there are many ways to improve your balance. Our local YMCA has many great classes to help older adults improve their balance and there are more affordable rates available if a membership seems outside of your budget. The Senior Center Network through the Grand Traverse Area Commission on Aging also has exercise programs designed for people 60 and above.





Move Items that Make You Trip

If you or a loved one has a problem with balance, then it’s incredibly important to move or remove items that may cause a fall. This may include cords that go across a room, plants sitting on the floor, furniture in the middle of a room, bins or boxes that are on the floor and out of eyesight, and other similar items. Take the time to move items around or have someone help you, because recovering from getting injured from tripping over a plant is not enjoyable.





Be Aware of Side effects from Medication

Some medications cause balance issues, so it’s important to look at the side effects of any medications you are taking and discuss this with your doctor. There may be a different medication you can take or an alternative treatment to consider. 





Have Your Vision and Hearing Checked Annually

A lot can change in a year with your vision and hearing and both have an affect on your balance. It’s important to be able to hear and see properly, especially when you are in public and around other people. A change in your vision or hearing doesn’t necessarily mean you will suddenly need hearing aids or a stronger prescription for your glasses. 





Talk To Dr. Rob and Your Medical Doctor

Let Dr. Rob know if you have recently suffered from losing your balance or multiple falls. There are many reasons this can suddenly happen and it’s important that is he aware so he can make the proper adjustments to realign your spine and recommend the right course of action, such as exercises or seeing your doctor.


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Grand Traverse Family Chiropractic

Monday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

2:30 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

2:30 pm-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

2:30 pm-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

2:30 pm-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed