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The Pinecone
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June 2015 • 5 •
BALANCE
Improving your
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 for 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 for 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 individual 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 on this page to prevent falls, you can
learn more about fall prevention at this
month’s Smart Moves Healthy Learning
Lecture on June 8th at 10:00 am in the
Performing Arts Center.
Contact Jason Sparrow at 901-366-1819
for additional information.
Take Control of Your Health:
6 Steps to Prevent a Fall
Every 15 seconds, an older adult
is seen in an emergency department
for a fall-related injury.