Fall Prevention
For people with osteoporosis, preventing falls is the best way to reduce complications and prevent broken bones. The following tips can show you how.
Lifestyle Tips
- Maintain a regular exercise program to improve muscle strength and tone and keep joints flexible. Continue regular weight bearing activity such as walking. Individuals with a history of falls may benefit from a specific exercise program to improve balance.
- Have vision and hearing tested annually
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Be careful not to get up too quickly. Rapid changes in body position can cause dizziness in some people.
- Be careful when walking on uneven surfaces, wet, or icy pavements. Use a cane or walker to help keep your balance.
- Wear supportive rubber-soled shoes or low-heeled shoes
- If you are taking medications, talk to a doctor or pharmacist about side effects that could affect balance or coordination
Making Your Home Safe
In stairways, hallways, and pathways be sure:
- There is good lighting and living areas are free of clutter
- Carpets are firmly attached, have a rough texture or have abrasive strips to ensure stable footing
- Handrails are tightly fastened and run the entire length and along both sides of all stairs
- Light switches are at both the top and bottom of the stairs
Bathrooms should have:
- Grab bars in the tub or shower and near the toilet
- Nonskid mats, abrasive strips or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet
- Night lights
Bedrooms should have:
- Night lights or light switches within reach of bed
- Telephone near the bed
Living areas should have:
- Electrical cords and telephone wires placed out of walking paths
- Well-secured rugs
- Furniture of proper height to get into and out of easily
