September is the Fall Prevention Month. This is an exceptional time in history as the pandemic continues to pose a threat, especially to our older loved ones. Restrictions and fear of contracting the virus has reportedly decreased the participation of seniors to physical activities and exercise, which are crucial elements in fall prevention.
It is comforting to know that we can still celebrate this event regardless of the time and circumstances. And the best way to do that is to maximize the impact we can have for ourselves and others. Start with what you can do for yourself and watch it ripple to many, whose lives you can change because of what you do today. Help spread fall prevention awareness.
Remember that Fall Prevention is a….
Skill
It can be learned and you have capacity and the power to master fall prevention. Like any other skill, continued practice will certainly breed results. The key is to make it a habit, which will eventually turn into a lifestyle. Start with simple action steps you can do on a regular basis. Below is a list of things you can do to practice fall-prevention:
- Choose appropriate footwear. Non-skid footwear can help you get a good traction and balance.
- Remove clutter. Clearing up mess is a great way to prevent unnecessary trips, slips, and falls.
- Stay active. It is always a good idea to keep your body moving and grooving. 30 minutes a day doing your favorite activity will do wonders for your body and mind. There are also great exercises you can do indoors to make sure your physiology is at its optimum.
- Maintain good communication with friends and family. It will help alleviate feelings of loneliness and fear. Building close connections will also come in handy in times of emergencies.
- Fall-proof your home. As your needs and circumstances change, minor renovations and modifications will help you live more comfortably. There are also many professionals and specialists who are ready to help you make your home safer.
- Going for regular check ups is a must. Having your vision and hearing checked regularly can help you in your daily activities. Ask for assistance in managing chronic conditions. Learn the side effects of your medications and check with your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your medication.
- Get enough sleep. It is imperative to ensuring your overall health.
- Use assistive devices. Thanks to technological advancements, there are countless devices that can help you feel steady as you move.
- Limit alcohol intake. Too much alcohol throws off your balance and focus.
- Watch out! Icy surfaces, leaves on the ground, and shiny floors are all danger zones. If you must walk on these surfaces, waddle like a penguin. Take careful, slow steps.
“Safety is the master of all skills. Master it and you will have mastered all.”
Responsibility
Fall prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Fall can affect us and those around us. Given that, families should have a conversation and come up with their own fall prevention plan. Every family unit has different circumstances and needs. So having an open and loving conversation on this will surely help their older family members to age in place. We all have a role to play in safety, and fulfilling our role benefits us and our family now and in the future.
“Being responsible for our own safety is a priceless wisdom that we can pass onto the next generation.”
Policy
There are rules for safety that we must follow wherever we go. Safety is one of those universal laws that govern how we should think, act, and feel. We do it everyday, and most of the time subconsciously. Most importantly, it is one of those unspoken rules essential to keeping us alive.
“Safety first is a law often taken for granted, with the highest price to be paid.”
Right
It is your right as a human and as an individual. Many will try to take that right away from you- people, circumstances, aging, and accidents. So you have to be vigilant more than ever to protect your safety and your freedom.
“You have the right to be safe and free. Advocate for your own safety.”
Privilege
If you can make precautions and preventive measures, you are greatly privileged. You have the honor to protect and preserve the precious gift of life you were given. Others have fallen asleep in death, while others have never and will never experience it. You were that one in a billion sperm that reached the egg to form one amazing being- a once in a lifetime opportunity to be treasured.
“The only one given the highest honor of protecting yourself is you. Remember that first and always.”
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