Community Focus: Six Ways to Keep from Falling This Winter

After the excitement of the holidays are over, that beautiful white blanket that you were so excited about to provide you your white Christmas is now just a whole lot of winter weather! One aspect of winter weather to be fearful of is none other than ice. Anyone who has ever slipped on a patch of ice knows how unnerving it can be to lose your balance. For a moment, your world is literally turned upside down. Yet balance, the ability to control and maintain your body's position as it moves through space is such an integral, ever-present part of daily life that most of us rarely give it conscious thought. There are conditions, however, that impairs your sense of balance and contributes to falls. The effects of aging are the most common causes of balance problems; injury and disease can also trigger problems.

Because falling is such a common and potentially serious problem, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 (living independently) will fall during the next year. It's important to find out what you can do to decrease your risk especially during this cold season filled with ice storms and slick sidewalks.

6 Easy Ways To Prevent Falls This Winter:

• Make sure that your driveway, steps, walk way and arm railing have been salted and/or de-iced by gravel. Many people forget about slick handrails. Check yours today for potential problems.
• Only wear shoes that have good traction on the bottoms. Plastic bottoms and heels do not apply. Create traction by scuffing the bottoms of your shoes on a rough surface.
• Secure rugs to the floor. Do this by using Velcro, good tape or tacs. This helps to prevent slipping.
• Give yourself enough time! Take an extra 20 minutes to ensure safe travel. When we rush, we forget!
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If the steps or a walk way does not strike you as being safe, don't hesitate to ask for help. This could make the difference in safe traveling.

For more information on fall prevention, check out www.cdc.gov