FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 • HEALTH • THE QUEENS COURIER 39
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Active aging: 5 important questions to ask to help prevent falls
Despite the common belief, falls are not
a normal part of aging, and they are largely
preventable. In fact, the best way to prevent
falls is with a proactive, team approach.
Be empowered and engage your health
care professionals, community providers
and family by asking these fi ve important
questions recommended by the National
Council on Aging.
1. What are my chances
of falling?
When you visit your doctor, you likely
bring up concerns about how your
body feels physically. Be sure to also ask
about your risk of falling - especially if
you have fallen, have a fear of falling or
are unsteady on your feet. By asking your
doctor to assess your risk, you’ll learn
more about what you can do to prevent an
injury. Th ese can include physical activity,
medications and proper footwear. A doctor
can help you understand any concerns
and provide helpful advice.
2. What home updates can I
make to help prevent falls?
Most falls happen at home, but there
are simple changes you can make to
reduce your risk. Increase lighting in
dark locations, particularly at the top
and bottom of stairs, bathrooms and
walkways from the bedroom to the bathroom.
For stairs, install a railing on both
sides for balance. Many falls occur in
bathrooms, so install grab bars in the
tub/shower and near the toilet. For even
greater safety, consider using a shower
chair and hand held shower. Ask family
or friends to assist with home modifi
cations or consult with an occupational
therapist who can do a home safety
assessment. NCOA provides 18 steps to
fall-proofi ng your home.
3. Do the medications I take
impact my likelihood to fall?
Th e next time you pick up your medicines,
take time to discuss the possible
side eff ects with your pharmacist. Ask
which ones might increase your risk of
falling and what you can do to prevent
accidents. Side eff ects to look for include
dizziness, drowsiness, blurry vision and
even confusion. Keep in mind, it’s not just
prescription medications that can impact
your fall risk. Other medicines, such as
over-the-counter sleep aids, can make you
drowsy or dizzy during the day, which can
increase your likelihood of a fall. Keep a
record of your medications and take the
list with you when you visit your doctors
and pharmacist.
4. When was my last
eye checkup?
Your vision is essential to keeping your
balance and preventing falls. Th at’s why
it’s important to have your eyes checked
every year. If you wear glasses, remember
that tint-changing lenses can be hazardous
when going from bright sun into
darkened buildings. A simple strategy is
to change glasses upon entry or stop until
your lenses adjust. Bifocals also can be
problematic on stairs, so it’s important to
be cautious. Eye diseases such as cataracts
and glaucoma can increase risk for falling,
too. Talk with your eye doctor about
these concerns.
5. How can I improve my
balance and strength?
Ask your family physician about exercise
programs that can help you build
stability, strength and fl exibility. While
some exercises can be done at home,
consider signing up for a local program.
Joining an exercise group is a lot of fun
and a great way to meet new friends.
Some exercise programs, like Tai Chi
and EnhanceFitness, have been shown to
improve balance and strength and reduce
falls. Contact your local senior center or
Area Agency on Aging for more information.
September is a great time to make a plan
to prevent falls. Every year on the fi rst
day of fall - this year, Monday, Sept. 23 -
NCOA leads Falls Prevention Awareness
Day to spread the word about staying safe.
Th is year, Centene Corporation serves
as the national sponsor of the event. To
see what’s happening in your community,
contact your state falls prevention coalition.
By being proactive, you can reduce
your risk of falling and maintain
your independence now and in the
future. Learn more at www.ncoa.org/
FallsTips.
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