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As the body ages, it’s more important than ever to avoid injury. As a child, it’s easy to bounce back from a little slip or fall. For the elderly, a fall could mean a fractured hip or ankle, or constant back pain. It’s even more dangerous if you live alone and have no way of calling for help. Fortunately, while not every accident can be avoided, you can take precautions to ensure that you prevent as many injuries as possible. Here are some ways that senior citizens can reduce injury risks:

Get Rid of Clutter

Every bit of clutter on the floor of your home is a potential tripping or slipping hazard. If you’re worried about injury risk, now would be a good time to clean up any old newspapers, magazines, or pet toys lying on the floor. It’s even more vital, however, to clear the stairs of all clutter. While slipping and falling on the living room floor might cause some injury, slipping and falling down the steps could be potentially life-threatening.

Install Handrails

One of the most dangerous places for slips and falls is the shower. The water makes the surfaces slick, and there’s usually very little to hold on to. Grab bars offer extra support to protect you from slipping. Handrails are also a good idea to install along the stairs, hallways or toilets. When it comes to the shower, you can also consider investing in a nonstick mat to keep the surface from being too slippery.

Don’t Wear Clothes that Drag or Catch

Baggy clothes are more likely to cause accidents like falls. Make sure that your pants and skirts are properly hemmed and not dragging on the ground. It’s also a good idea to wear shoes, even around the house, to keep from tripping or falling. If you’re not quite comfortable with wearing shoes, you might look into non-slip socks with grips on the soles.

Stay Physically Active

The best way to keep your body in good shape even as you age is to keep moving. Regular exercise, even walks or water therapy, will keep your body in shape and resilient. It might not stop you from falling, but regular movement will go a long way in helping you to get up again with as little injury as possible. Regular exercise is also a great way to keep your immune system strong and protect yourself against diseases.

Make an Appointment with Your Local Doctor

No one can answer your questions about injury prevention like your doctor or Walnut Creek chiropractor. If you’re unsure of further steps to take in reducing injury risk, just ask them. They may want to test your muscle strength and your gait to evaluate the likelihood of falling and injury from falling. They may ask you what medication you take, if you have a history of falling, and what health conditions you currently have. Answer any of your doctor’s questions honestly. From there they can evaluate your injury risk and the steps you need to take to protect yourself.

 

About  Dr. Noah Kaplan, D.C.

Dr. Noah Kaplan is among the most elite Upper Cervical Chiropractors in Northern California and is the owner of a chiropractic clinic in Walnut Creek.  Dr. Kaplan earned his Bachelor of Science at Saint Mary’s College and his Doctorate of Chiropractic at Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, CA.  He has done extensive post-graduate work in Knee-Chest Upper Cervical Technique in addition to his doctorate requirements. He currently trains doctors and students in Upper Cervical technique.

Dr. Kaplan utilizes a holistic approach to health, incorporating nutrition and exercise as part of the wellness platform as a C.H.E.K. certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach.   Dr. Kaplan layers in ergonomic training, home exercises, and basic nutritional advice to help support the permanency of the spinal correction.

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