By Jeff Sheppard 04 Jan 2023 no comment 273 Views

Chiropractors regularly see patients who have been injured as a result of a household fall.  Falls, a common cause of disability, can happen to people of any age.

When looking to prevent falls, it’s worthwhile to think about the ways that falls can happen.

For example, you could lose your balance by sliding on a slick surface, or by tripping over something on the ground.  Disorientation is another common cause of falls.  It’s easy to become disoriented in the dark, or if you’re rushing.

The first example we’ll look at is falling while climbing:  say, to reach that cupboard over your stove, the top shelf of your bookcase, or the ceiling in the linen closet.

Tips for household climbing

Losing your balance is easy enough to do while changing your shoes or going down stairs.  The risk is magnified if you are balancing on top of an object like a table or chair.  Most furniture is not designed to be climbed on.  It is likely to tilt or tip if you try to stand on it.  That makes it easier to lose your balance.

Always use a properly certified ladder or stepstool for climbing.  Never climb on a stool made for sitting on rather than standing on.

Using equipment improperly raises your risk of injury.  For example, some ladders are not intended for people to use while standing on the top step.

If you are concerned about your balance, ask a relative or friend for assistance.

Use accessibility tools instead of climbing when possible.  For example, the “duster on a long stick” can save a lot of household climbing to reach ceiling fans, molding, tops of bookshelves…

Don’t rush when you are climbing.  It is not a race.  Take deep breaths and orient yourself before you go up a ladder or stepstool.  If you feel dizzy or disoriented, you can stop and re-orient yourself whenever you need to.  Take your time and move with deliberation.

Store common objects within easy reach.  Tall shelves are a better place to store rarely-used or seasonal items—if you need to use these shelves for anything at all.

What if you have a fall?

You should call your chiropractor as soon as possible after you’ve had a fall.  We can relieve discomfort, promote healing, and ensure your body is in alignment.  Phone Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 and let us help you feel better.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *