Prevent Falls this Holiday Season
This is your Wellness Wake Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 years and older and account for 95% of the 300,000 hip fractures in the United States annually. Slips and falls can happen at any time of year. However, during winter, there is an increase in the rate of fall-related injuries, such as fractures, concussions, and sprains.
Environmental hazards such as slippery floors, loose rugs, unstable furniture, inadequate lighting, obstructed walkways, pets under foot, ice, and snow increase our risk of falling.
You can prevent falls this winter with these 4 tips:
1. Slow down. Take small, slow steps if you walk on icy or slick services. Watch for ice on steps and walkways and be careful when getting in and out of vehicles.
2. Clear walkways of snow and ice. Adding sand or salt will improve traction on slippery surfaces.
3. Wear proper footwear. Whether indoors or out, wearing proper footwear is a must. Choose footwear that fits properly and provides ankle support and adequate traction.
4. Be physically active. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week will help strengthen and maintain your muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion, which can help reduce your risk of falls.
This week, check out the CDC website for fall prevention materials and self-assessments by visiting cdc.gov/steadi or by wvik.org/wellness.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. The content for this episode was provided by, Diane Reinhold, nutrition and wellness educator for University of Illinois Extension.
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