Top 4 ways to Avoid an Injury from a Fall this Winter

 

With this year's thaws and freezes, as well as my own slip on the ice, I thought a blog on falls would be topical this winter. According to Stats Canada falls are the leading cause of injury and the most common cause of injury hospitalization in Canada. The most susceptible demographic are seniors with 85% of all injuries in seniors being a result of a fall. One statistic that surprised me, was that the majority of falls among seniors occur in their own homes. So here are 4 ways to avoid falls or their negative ramifications this winter:

1. Clear the Path: This not only includes shoveling your driveway and walkways which is obvious at this time of the year, but also clear the path indoors. Reduce clutter, make sure edges of rugs are flush with the ground (or get rid of them) and wipe up water spills immediately.
2. Stay Active: Engage in physical activity every day. It's your best defence against falls. Increase or maintain muscle and bone density with resisted activities. Consult your doctor before engaging in a new activity.
3. Live a Healthy Lifestyle: Smoking, poor diet and inactivity can all lead to weak, brittle bones and turn an otherwise innocuous fall into a debilitating injury. Get your bone density checked if you suspect an issue; you may need medical intervention on top of healthy changes.
4. Be aware of Your Surroundings: Get your eyes and ears checked, ensure adequate lighting as much as possible and practice mindfulness.

If you have any questions about our services in dealing with these issues, please visit our website or call us at 905.333.1267.
As always, thanks for reading, Rebecca

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.