| Do you sometimes feel dizzy? |
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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- Return all outdated pills to your pharmacist.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? |
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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 Canadas
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 Canadas
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.
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| 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.
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