Prevent Falls this Winter

Dec 07, 2019

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By Kristi Powers, ADN, RN, William Newton Hospital House Supervisor and Trauma Registrar

As winter approaches we all need tips to prevent falls and injuries. The National Council on Aging reports in the United States every 11 seconds an older adult will be treated in an emergency room for a fall.

Risk factors for falls include: age, poor vision, previous falls, chronic conditions, use of certain medications, and the fear of falling.

Follow these tips to prevent falls this season:

• Plan ahead- Try to plan your trips to the store and errands around winter weather. If you don’t have to go out, don’t.Kristi Powers
• Slow down- Allow yourself enough time to get where you are going. Rushing to get somewhere will increase your chances of falling.
• Take the path of least resistance- Look for the safest route to your location and into the building.
• Ask for help- Have someone help you across icy streets or patches.
• Be your own advocate- If walkways are not safe, ask for them to be cleared-help prevent other injuries.
• Choose the shoes- Wear the shoes that give you the most traction.
• Pay attention!- Be alert to the possibility of ice or unseen ice. Avoid the temptation to run to beat traffic.
• Use caution in parking lots- Be extra careful when getting out of your car. Hold onto your door for extra support and watch for cars sliding on wet/icy pavement.
• Treat your vision issues- Poor vision can make it harder to see dangers. Keep vision prescriptions up to date and wear your glasses/contacts.
• Walk like a penguin- When walking on slippery surfaces take short shuffling steps with a slightly wider stance.
• Keep your hands free- Walk with your hands out of your pockets to help with balance. Avoid carrying heavy loads and children if possible.
• Remove snow immediately- Keep porch, stoops, steps, and walkways clear.
• Dress appropriately- Going to get the mail in a robe seems harmless; however, doing so increases your chances of injury or exposure.
• Bring a cell phone- Falls happen unexpectedly. By keeping your cell phone in a pocket you can call for emergency help.
• Cat litter- Keep cat litter or sand on hand to sprinkle on the ground for slick areas to increase traction.
• Ask your doctor-On your next visit with your doctor ask if any of your medicines put you at risk for falls. Also ask about protecting your bone health by taking calcium or other medicines.

If you do fall, don’t get up right away or let anyone else help you up. This avoids potential further injury. Take your time, lie there for a moment, and asses how you are feeling. Don’t worry about being embarrassed.

After assessing your injury status, if you can get up, roll to one side, bend your knees toward your chest, push up with your arms, and then use your legs to stand up. If someone is helping you up, ensure they don’t get hurt as well.

Use your cell phone or medical alert device to get help. Call 911 if there are injuries or emergencies.

With these tips, hopefully we can all avoid becoming one of next year’s statistics.

References:

• Mayo Clinic Trauma, Avoiding the slip: Winter fall prevention Jan 3 2019
• National Council on Aging website factsheet
• Winter Fall Prevention and Safety Tips- www.michigan.gov

If you have comments or story ideas, call 620-221-2300, ext. 1113. The "Weekend Check-Up" is a regular health column published in the Cowley Courier Traveler penned by employees and friends of William Newton Hospital.