Falls in the Spring

posted 03/28/2008
More than 30% of people older than 65 will experience a fall this year. Falls account for a large number of EMS calls here on San Juan Island with the majority of them happening at home. The injuries received from a fall can result in severe injury and disability including hospitalization, nursing-home admission, and even death. Falls cause the majority of hip fractures, and often result in loss of independent living. There are a few simple things that you can do to help prevent falls such as:

Remove area rugs that are not secured to the floor or might present a tripping hazard.
Have adequate lighting for night-time trips to the bathroom.
Quickly clean spills and messes on floors.
Keep clutter and wires off the floor especially around stairs, chairs, and bed.
Keep walking areas free of obstacles.
Stay off of ladders and have others clean gutters and do heavy lifting.
Wear shoes that fit well and have a non-slip grip on the bottom, even at home.
Take your time getting up on your feet. Allow your blood pressure to catch up with your activity.
Consider installation of additional safety railings and lighting.
Keep yourself in good physical shape including toning and stretching.

Additional information on fall prevention can be found by clicking HERE

Each Friday, Chief Jim Cole from San Juan Island EMS will be writing an article on an important health and safety topic affecting our community. Jim has been a Nationally Registered Paramedic for over 20 years and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Community Health and a Masters Degree in Higher Education. Prior to coming to San Juan, he was the Director of the School of EMS for the Cleveland Clinic Health System. Suggestions for future topics can be sent to jim@sanjuanislander.com.