SE Valley Times

Gilbert, Ariz. - Gilbert Fire & Rescue’s number one call for service is falls, and residents age 65 years and older are the most at risk.

In fact, an older adult dies from a fall every 20 minutes in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

September is Falls Prevention Month and we want to help keep our residents safe from fall injuries.

Here are six ways to help you or a loved one prevent an injury from a fall:

1. Find balance or exercise programs like Tai Chi to help strengthen ligaments and muscles, while increasing coordination, flexibility and balance.
    
2. Talk to your doctor if you have any fears about falling. Review your medication to see if there are any side effects that could cause dizziness.
    
3. Wear appropriate footwear when outside. If you are participating in an activity such as biking, make sure to always wear a helmet.
    
4. Get your vision and hearing checked annually.
    
5. Perform a home safety check and eliminate tripping hazards in your home. Improve the lighting in your home by adding night lights throughout the house. Declutter from stairways and common space. Use slip-resistant mats in the bathroom and add grab rails near the toilets in the shower. Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape to secure them to the ground. Put bells on your pets’ collars to alert you if they are underfoot.
    
6. Let your family know if you are concerned about falling. If you have a surgery planned, ask for extra help.

While older adults are at most risk of falling, falls can happen at any age.

According to the Arizona Fall Prevention Coalition, falls are one of the leading causes of injury for youths ages 0-19. For adults ages 20-54, alcohol is a leading risk factor for falls.It is important to keep all members of your family safe from a fall injury.

Find more fall prevention tips at gilbertaz.gov/falls.

Original source can be found here.