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Are you at risk of falling?

Personal factors for falls - Health

Do you sometimes feel dizzy?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Talk to your doctor about it.
  • Sit down immediately if feeling dizzy.
  • Take your time when trying to stand up. After standing, pause and take one slow deep breath before taking a step.
  • Have your blood pressure checked regularly in both lying and standing positions.
  • Have your ears checked.
  • Avoid hot baths.
Do you take four or more medications (including over the counter medications) a day?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Review your medication with your doctor at least every six months.
  • Never take medication that is not yours.
  • Keep a list of medications in your wallet or purse and on the fridge.
  • If you are taking prescription medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over the counter medications or herbal remedies .
  • Avoid alcohol when you are taking prescription medications.
  • Ask your pharmacist about medication side effects and possible interactions of different drugs.
  • Always get your prescriptions filled out at the same pharmacy.
  • Return all outdated pills to your pharmacist.
  • Buy a pill organizer to help you manage your medications or have your pharmacy fill one.
Do you take any medication to help you sleep or relax?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Talk with your doctor about alternatives to the use of sleeping pills.
  • Physical activity can make you sleep better.
  • Avoid caffeine drinks in the evening.
  • Try a few relaxation techniques.
  • Develop a daily routine.
Do you often have to rush to get to the bathroom?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Talk to your doctor to find out why. Your doctor can provide you with exercises to strengthen the muscles that control urine flow.
  • Go to the bathroom before going to bed.
  • Avoid beverages that contain caffeine.
  • Develop a toileting schedule.
  • Limit liquid intake before going to bed.
  • Turn on a night light before going to bed.
Do you have foot problems?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Talk to a foot doctor (podiatrist) about any calluses, bunions, corns or ingrown toenails. Over the counter corn plasters are not recommended for everyone.
  • Wear proper fitting supportive shoes with low broad heels.
  • Choose shoes that offer better support than slip-ons.
  • Make sure your footwear is in good shape.
  • If your feet are swollen, keep them up when sitting. Use a pillow underneath your feet if lying down to keep your feet higher than your hips.
  • Wear loose socks or stockings. Tight knee highs can cut off the circulation in your legs and make your feet numb.
  • If you have trouble cutting your nails, attend a foot care clinic
Do you have weak muscles or stiff joints?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Join an exercise program such as Tai Chi or yoga at a local senior or recreation centre to keep flexible.
  • Talk to your doctor about seeing a physiotherapist for specialized exercises.
  • If you have discomfort or soreness, talk to your doctor about it.
  • Find a buddy and go for a walk.
  • Review Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults to learn about easy ways of being more active right in and around your home.
Do you exercise daily or almost daily?

If you answered No, here's what you can do:

  • Keep moving to keep your muscles strong.
  • Accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days.
  • If possible, walk every day, even if it's only around the house.
  • Do activities that will improve your strength and balance, such as strengthening activities, Tai Chi, or walking.
  • See Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults for more tips.
  • Find out about home exercise videos. Your centre, public health or recreation centre may have some to borrow, or may be able to help you buy one.
Do you ever drink more than three drinks of alcohol a day?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Talk to your doctor.
  • Drink in moderation. Remember, too much alcohol affects your sight, hearing, and balance.
  • Remember, whether used alone or in combination with medication, alcohol can lead to serious falls.
Do you have problems with your vision?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Make an appointment to have an eye examination at least once a year. If you don't wear glasses you may need them. If you do you may need a new prescription.
  • If you wear glasses, clean them regularly sing a non-glare cleaner and soft cloth.
  • Replace scratched eyeglasses.
  • If you wear reading glasses, take them off when walking.
  • If you wear bifocals, do not look through the lower part of the glasses when going up or down the stairs. When using stairs, bend your head to use the upper part of the glasses.
  • Wear sunglasses when in the sun. Those that can cut down on the glare are good.
  • When going from indoors to outdoors or from outdoors to indoors, pause to give your eyes time to adapt to changes in light.
  • Use good lighting, especially in halls, stairways, and bathrooms.
  • Use night lights, especially in the path from your bedroom to your bathroom.
  • Wait for your eyes to adjust to new lighting before moving (such as when going from inside to outside or vise versa).
Do you have difficulty keeping your balance?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Talk to your doctor about what might be causing the problem.
  • Take your time, change from one position to another slowly.
  • Talk to your doctor about what might be causing the problem.
  • Exercise to improve your balance. Tai Chi is particularly effective.
  • Use good fitting footwear.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Use walking aids, such as cane or walker, if prescribed by a health professional.
  • Eat a well balanced diet using Canada's Food Guide.
  • Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
  • Alternate activity with rest.
  • Drink at least 6 glasses of water a day.
Have you ever been told you have osteoporosis?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Ask your doctor about a Vitamin D and calcium supplements.
  • Eat calcium rich foods.
  • Do weight bearing exercises each day, such as walking.
  • Avoid lifting any object over 5 pounds.
  • Avoid bending forward which increases pressure on the spine.
  • Find alternatives to bending, lifting, twisting and reaching for heavy objects.
Do you ever have difficulty with memory or concentration?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Talk to your doctor to find out why.
  • If you have pain that interferes with your ability to pay attention, talk to your doctor about better pain control. If you take pain medication, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are stressed or worried, walk and exercise each day and find a trusted person to talk to.
  • Poor eating habits can interfere with concentration and memory - follow Canada's Food Guide.
  • Feelings of sadness or depression can affect memory and concentration. If you feel sad or depressed, talk to your doctor, trusted family member, or friend about your feelings.
  • Using alcohol when taking medications, such as sleeping pills, can affect your memory and concentration. Avoid using alcohol with medication.
Have you had any slips, trips, near falls or falls in the past year?

If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:

  • Discuss it with your health provider .
  • Use a personal emergency response and support service. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the services.

Next: Personal factors for falls - Behaviour and lifestyle

Active Independent Aging was a joint venture between the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. For more information please visit our website at: www.falls-chutes.com. Funding provided by Health Canada/Veterans Affairs Canada Falls Prevention Initiative. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the official policies of Health Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. The information in this handout is current as of 2004.

 

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Last modified June 17, 2003