Satellite Beach Fire & Paramedic Services

What can I do to prevent falls?

First, be sure your home is as safe as possible. Here are some tips:

• Wear shoes with nonskid soles (not house slippers).
• Be sure your home is well lit so that you can see things you might trip over.
• Use night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, hallways and stairways.
• Remove throw rugs or fasten them to the floor with carpet tape.
• Tack down carpet edges.
• Don't put electrical cords across pathways.
• Have grab bars put in your bathtub, shower and toilet area.
• Have handrails put on both sides of stairways.
• Don't climb on stools and stepladders.
• Get someone else to help with jobs that call for climbing.
• Don't wax your floors at all, or use a non-skid wax.
• Have sidewalks and walkways repaired so that surfaces are smooth and even.

Next, get regular check-ups from your doctor, and take good care of yourself:

• Have your eyes checked every year for vision changes
• Cataracts, glaucoma and other eye problems.
• Have your hearing checked every two years,
• Hearing loss can contribute to balance issues
• See your doctor if you have foot pain or corns,  Sore feet could make you fall.
• See your doctor right away if you feel dizzy, weak or unsteady on your feet..
• Let your doctor know if a medicine is making you feel dizzy orlight headed..
• If your doctor wants you to use a cane or a walker, learn how to use it all the time.
• When getting out of bed in the morning or at night-Sit upright for a minute.
• Give you body time to adust the blood flow to your brain

Next keep your body in good shape:

• Get regular exercise, especially walking.
• Do exercises to strengthen the muscles you use for walking and lifting.
• Join Satellite Beach Recreation Department Senior Fitness programs
• Limit your alcohol intake to two drinks or less a day.