The Pinecone
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August 2014 • 5 •
Balance &
FALL PREVENTION
Falling can be a serious problem for the active aging population. As you get
older, muscles become weaker, balance worsens, and it becomes more and
more difficult to maintain independence. Although aging is inevitable, there
are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of falling.
By participating in regular exercise you can maintain, and even improve, your strength,
balance, and coordination. Walking, stretching, and lifting weights are all easy ways to
exercise to lessen your risk of falling. Other ways you can prevent falling include taking
your prescribed medications, eating properly, and making sure your home is free from
any fall hazards. Fall hazards may include improperly lit rooms, electrical cords on the
ground, and rugs that are not properly secured to the ground. Identifying all of your indi-
vidual fall risks can be difficult. Your on site RehabCare therapy team can help you to identify your specific risks physically, and
in your surroundings. Additionally, changes to our bodies, such as arthritis, back pain, numbness, and vertigo can also increase
your chances of falling.
Even though there are many helpful hints listed above to prevent falls, you can learn more about fall prevention at this month’s
Healthy Learning Lecture on August 18th at 10 am in the Performing Arts Center. Contact Jason Sparrow, 901-366-1819 or
Crystal Dodson, 731-499-2463 for additional information.
