Household falls are a common cause of injury.  One in three seniors fall each year; but fewer than half of them talk to a medical professional about it.

People of any age can fall, particularly when it’s icy out.

It’s tempting to shrug off a minor fall, but you might have injuries you don’t know about.  Long-term consequences take time to develop.  If you have a fall, you should always visit your chiropractor as soon as possible afterwards.

If you want to lower your risk of a fall, you should see your chiropractor for regular maintenance care.  Never be reluctant to talk to your chiropractor about your balance, your range of motion or any accidents you may have had.  We are here to help.

If you don’t already have your next maintenance appointment scheduled, contact Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.

Tips to prevent this common cause of injury

Many people fall when they try to move too quickly, without taking the time they need to rest, orient themselves, and consider what they’re about to do.  Protect yourself by training yourself to pause and take a break before changing position.  For example, if you’re sitting down and want to stand up, take some time to pause, orient yourself, and breathe deeply before standing up.  Do the same if you’re lying down and want to sit up, or vice versa.

Before climbing or going down stairs, put your hand on the railing, pause, orient yourself, and then begin.  Moving mindfully will do a lot to reduce your risk of falls.

Similarly, avoid rushing.  Ignore that voice in your head that urges you to answer the phone, turn off the kettle, or open the door “right away.”  Take your time, move mindfully, and be safe.  A few more seconds won’t make a big difference to the task, but they could make a big difference to your health.

Invest in non-slip mats and place them anywhere you’re likely to stand on a slippery surface.  Such places include kitchen floors (particularly in front of the sink), inside bathtubs and showers, bathroom floors, and porches.

Eliminate clutter.  The more things you have in your home, the easier it is to bump into them or trip over them.

Store items you want to keep in safe places, like drawers, shelves, or storage boxes, where they’re out of the way.  Make sure the things you use most often are easily accessible.  Save the high cabinets and top shelves for things you use only once or twice a year (seasonal decorations; fancy tableware; extra bedding; etc)

Donate or give away items you don’t need and things you don’t want any more.  Throw out junk.

Put things away when you’re done using them, and ask your family and guests to do the same.  Don’t leave toys, clothing, pillows or papers lying around on the floor.

By taking your time, using railings and mats, and minimizing your likelihood of tripping over or bumping into objects, you can reduce your risk of a household fall.