September 23, 2019 is annual Fall Prevention Day – an important day to promote awareness of an issue which affects many people. An estimated 20%-30% of older adults suffer from the effects of a fall each year, and falling is the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries, the fifth-leading cause of death among aging adults in America.

Have you fallen over the last several years? What were the circumstances that may have contributed to a fall occurrence?  The important thing to remember is that falling is NOT a normal part of aging and research shows 60-75% of falls CAN BE PREVENTED! But how?

4 Things you can do to prevent falls:

1.            Have your Physician or Pharmacist review your medications

2.            Exercise to improve your balance and strength

3.            Identify any recent changes in your vision

4.            Review your home to remove any potential hazards to reduce  your fall risk

Physical Therapists are movement specialists and are well trained to help you reduce your falling risk. Risk factors that Physical therapy can help improve include: physical inactivity, poor balance, leg weakness, improper use of a cane or walker and fear of falling.

There are several non-modifiable risk factors, or factors you cannot change, which also contribute to an increase in falling risk which include: being over age 65, being of a female gender, having a history of falls, taking more than 4 medications, poor vision, poor sensation, and memory loss.

Physical Therapy can prevent falls and help you stay Independent. If you or someone you care about would like to learn more about how physical therapy can reduce your risk of suffering a fall, please contact us at: http://www.excelphysicaltherapy.com/contact-us/ and we would be happy to provide further assistance!