Prevention is so important in many aspects of our health. In addition to eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, prevention also includes actions we can take to prevent falls – an injury that impacts at least 1 in 4 older adults each year. As we get older, a fall can be even more impactful whether it results in hip fractures, traumatic brain injury, or even death. We value independence and a fall can take that away. The good news is that proven, effective strategies can prevent a fall from happening in the first place.

Home safety is important in preventing a fall. This includes making sure the home is well lit, nightlights are strategically placed to help us see at night, rugs and other clutter aren’t creating trip hazards, and that handrails and grab bars are appropriately installed. Getting our vision regularly checked is also important as our eyes are always changing and our sight plays an important role in helping us gauge depth perception and alterations in terrain. Medications, including supplements and vitamins, can interact in ways that may lead to dizziness and/or faintness. It’s important to talk with a primary care provider or pharmacist about everything we’re taking to ensure dosages are appropriate and negative interactions aren’t occurring. Continuing to exercise and to specifically focus on exercise that will help improve strength and balance is imperative. We use muscles all the time, whether we’re getting up from a chair, stepping down from a curb, and even crawling into bed. Ensuring we have the strength and stability to continue to do these things safely can help prevent a fall.

It’s important to know and understand our risk of falling and to know what might be causing that risk. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s STEADI toolkit has a wealth of resources: https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/patient-resources/index.html The Falls Free Wisconsin Center is a great resource for Wisconsinites, which includes lots of helpful information and even a home safety challenge where you can identify potential hazards in a real WI home: https://fallsfreewi.org/ Safe Communities is a great resource for educational videos and listings of local (Dane County) classes and programs to help on your falls prevention journey: https://safercommunity.net/falls-prevention/#resources

So this September, as the leaves start to change and there’s a slight chill in the air, take a moment to increase your awareness about falls and the impact they can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. Check out the helpful resources available at both the national, state, and local levels – in your own community! Spread the good news that falls CAN be prevented. Let’s all do what we can to stay safe, independent, and upright. Happy Falls Prevention Awareness Month!