Kelly Waiksnoris, SPT 
The Why?
Do you ever feel unsteady while walking or hesitant to perform activities you enjoy due to the fear of falling? When it comes to fall prevention, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the impact that falling has on the older population, 65 and older, through the following statistics:
- 1 out of 4 individuals fall each year with 1 out of 5 falls resulting in serious injury.
- 3 million are treated for fall related injuries in the emergency department each year.
- Over 800,000 people are hospitalized each year due to falling.
There are many variables that put individuals at a risk for falling. A majority of falls are caused by a combination of these risk factors:
- Older age
- Impaired cognition
- Balance deficits
- Muscle weakness
- Previous falls
- Fear of falling
- Footwear
- Multiple medications
- Poor vision
It is important to be aware of these risk factors and become educated on strategies you can implement to help aid in the prevention of falls. Here are a few steps you can take to improve your safety and confidence when it comes to avoiding falls:
- Talk to your doctor. Ask your doctor to evaluate your risk so they can provide specific recommendations that you can do to prevent future falls. Also, asking about any medications you are currently taking and making note if any of them cause dizziness or increased drowsiness.
- Physical activity. Regular exercise is a preventative measure by reducing risk of falling 30-50%. Physical therapy can be beneficial by incorporating exercises targeted at balance training and improving leg strength to help minimize risk.
- Frequent eye exams. Individuals should have their eyes examined at least once a year to ensure that their vision is adequate and to update eyewear if necessary.
- Home modifications. It is important to identify and remove potential hazards within your home to prevent falls from occurring. Here is a checklist provided by the CDC to ensure you are living in a safe environment: Check For Safety A Home Fall Prevention Checklist For Older Adults (www.cdc.gov)
Contact the experienced physical therapists at Capital Area Physical Therapy for a risk assessment and preventative maintenance to help minimize your risk of a fall and an injury. For more information, contact them at their Queensbury, Saratoga or Malta physical therapy clinic at 518-289-5242.
