Keeping your feet on winter ice
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Now for more on a topic most of us aren’t ready to face quite yet — winter — and the slips and falls that come along with it.
Seniors are most at risk.
People over 65 are more likely to lose muscle mass, be taking multiple medications, and have diabetes. And all of these make you more likely to slip and fall. So if you don’t want to be house bound this winter, now is the time to start moving.
Icy sidewalks are a slippery slope to injury — especially for seniors. So as the weather turns, you may want to work on reducing your risk.
Dr. Ninh Tran, Fall prevention expert: “You want to work on endurance. You want to work on your strength and posture as well as anything that works on balance.”
Most doctors agree, practising Tai Chi is one of the best ways to improve your stability. Nina Turner is a recent convert, and she’s already noticed an improvement.
Nina Turner: “Especially running to catch the bus. I feel like I can do more now, because of Tai Chi.”
Slow steady movements strengthen your muscles and teach them to react when you lose your balance.
Reviewing your medications can also reduce your risk of falls.
When you take them together, pills for blood pressure, anxiety and sleep can cause dizziness and instability.
Dr. Tran: “Each one itself can make you more prone to fall by making you a little more drowsy. If you take all three that are like that then you’re just adding on to the effect and compounding the side effects.”
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able do adjust your meds to make you more alert.
When the sidewalks get really bad, staying inside is the best way to avoid a fall. But products like shoe covers that grip the ice can offer an extra layer of protection.
A bad fall can land you in bed for weeks. And when you can’t move around, your muscles get even weaker, and you’re more likely to fall again. So it’s best to be proactive before the vicious cycle begins.
