Slips, trips, and falls are common accidents that can cause serious injuries. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in adults over the age of 65. However, there are things you can do to help prevent these accidents from happening. In this blog post, we will discuss five tips that will help keep you safe from slips, trips, and falls!
- Develop Good Housekeeping Habits
One of the best ways to prevent slips, trips, and falls is to develop good housekeeping habits. This means keeping your home clean and clutter-free. Make sure that all areas are well-lit so you can see where you are walking. Also, be sure to fix any loose carpeting or flooring that could cause you to trip. At the same time, it is important to clean the house properly in terms of using certain products that will offer you a chance to do so.
Also, whipping them off after the procedure is finished is a must. Think about that, it is always possible to slip on some water while you are walking on the tiles. All of these elements are essential elements in creating proper housekeeping habits. While this may seem like an easy thing to do, this is not always the case. If you are unsure where you should start with this, you can always consult with someone who has more experience.
- Wear the Right Shoes
Another important tip to prevent slips, trips, and falls is to wear the right shoes. This means avoiding shoes with high heels or open-toed sandals. Instead, opt for shoes that have a good grip and provide support. If you are going to be walking on slippery surfaces, consider wearing shoes with nonslip soles.
In addition, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to where you are walking. This means looking ahead and being cautious of potential hazards. If you are walking in an area that is not well-lit, make sure to use a flashlight so you can see where you are going.
- Make Your Home Older-Friendly
If you are an older adult, there are some additional things you can do to help prevent slips, trips, and falls. One of these things is to make sure your home is older-friendly. This means removing any potential hazards that could cause you to fall. For example, you might want to install handrails on both sides of stairways and in the shower.
You might also want to put nonslip mats in the bathtub and on any slippery surfaces. In addition, you can make your home more fall-proof by installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower. Thankfully, there are a lot of things to achieve the highest level of older-friendliness for your home. Also, you can find a plethora of advice online from people who had first-hand experience.
By taking some simple precautions, you can help keep yourself safe from these common slip and fall accidents. Falls can happen to anyone, but they are especially dangerous for older adults. If you are an older adult, make sure to take extra steps to prevent falls in your home. And if you have young children in the home, be sure to teach them about the importance of being careful to prevent falls.
- Stay Active and Strong
Staying active and strong is another great way to prevent falls. This means participating in regular physical activity to help improve your balance and muscle strength. Tai chi and yoga are two great exercises that can help with this. In addition, it is important to eat a healthy diet that includes foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are important for bone health.
Besides that, you should frequently hit the gym as frequently as you can. Naturally, it is essential to create a schedule that will leave you with enough room for the recovery process. We cannot stress enough how important it is to have enough time to commit to a good night’s sleep.
Not getting enough rest is the commonest reason why people fall and get injured. So, stay as active as you can, make sure you eat properly, and commit at least eight hours every night. Also, it is worth pointing out that sleeping for a certain period, from 9 PM to 4 AM is more effective than any other period.
- Know Your Medications
Certain medications can cause side effects that make you more likely to fall. If you are taking any medications, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Some common medications that can cause problems include blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and sedatives. No medication out there comes solely with benefits, and that’s why we need to understand both sides of the coin before we consume them.
If you are taking multiple medications, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions. Interactions between medications can increase the risk of falling. Be sure to ask about side effects and how to avoid them. If you want to obtain medication without a doctor’s prescription, be sure to take a look at the product description. Consuming these without any knowledge is an absolute no-no.
- Administrative Controls
The last tip is to implement administrative controls. This means having policies and procedures in place to help prevent falls. For example, you might want to have a policy that requires employees to wear nonslip shoes when working in areas where there is potential for slipping. In addition, you might want to have a procedure in place for cleaning up spills quickly.
The Commonest Injuries from Falls
The most common injuries caused by falls are cuts, bruises, and broken bones. However, more serious injuries can also occur, such as concussions and head injuries. If you hit your head during a fall, it is important to see a doctor right away. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
If you are injured in a fall, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for care and recovery. Depending on the severity of the injury, you might need crutches or a wheelchair to help you get around. In some cases, surgery might be necessary.
Falls can be serious, but by taking some simple precautions, you can help prevent them. Be sure to keep your home safe and clean, stay active and strong, and know your medications. If you do fall, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention right away. With these tips, you can help keep yourself safe from falls. But if it does happen, make sure to contact slip, and fall accident lawyers.
What are the Most Severe Injuries?
The most severe injuries caused by falls are usually head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI). These types of injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, such as problems with memory and thinking, mood changes, and difficulty walking or moving. If you hit your head during a fall, it is important to see a doctor right away. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
If you are suffering from a head injury, the recovery process can be long and difficult. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and to give yourself time to heal. In some cases, rehabilitation might be necessary. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. With time and patience, you can make a full recovery from even the most severe head injury.
Is Surgical Procedure Always the Solution?
No, surgery is not always the solution after a fall. In most cases, minor injuries can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications and rest. However, more serious injuries might require surgery. This includes broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. If you are injured in a fall, it is important to see a doctor right away. They will be able to determine if surgery is necessary.
Even if surgery is not required, you might still need to see a doctor for treatment. In some cases, you might need crutches or a wheelchair to help you get around. You might also need physical therapy to help you recover from your injury. The most important thing is to listen to your body and give it the time it needs to heal. With proper care, you can recover from even the most serious fall.
No matter what type of injury you suffer in a fall, it is important to seek medical attention right away. By taking some simple precautions, you can help prevent falls. Be sure to keep your home safe and clean, stay active and strong, and know your medications. If you do fall, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention right away.
In Conclusion
Falls are a common cause of injuries, but there are things you can do to prevent them. By taking some simple precautions, you can help keep yourself safe from slips, trips, and falls. Be sure to wear the right shoes, stay active and strong, and know your medications. And if you are an older adult, make sure to take extra steps to prevent falls in your home. By taking some simple precautions, you can help reduce your risk of falling and keep yourself safe.