Cooperative Living January 2017 - 26

HealthyTake
Stay Upright with These Winter Tips
To help avoid injury when walking, here are some simple tips to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Wear slipresistant
footwear
and
walk slowly and
deliberately.
inter-related slips and falls
claims have recently been
on the increase, according to the
Accident Fund Insurance Company
of America. To help avoid injury when
walking outside in winter weather, or even
while indoors, here are some simple tips to
protect yourself and your loved ones:
* When it's cold outside, wear slipresistant
footwear and walk slowly
and deliberately, balancing your
weight and using handrails where
available to avoid putting all your
weight on one leg.
* Be on the lookout for black ice,
which can form as melting occurs,
and note locations where frost is more
likely to create slippery conditions,
such as any steps and elevated decks
around your home.
* Exercise caution when getting in and
out of vehicles - look for ice before
you place your feet.
* When entering buildings, watch for
slippery floors from footwear tracking
in ice and snow.
* Try to keep your arms free so they are
readily able to help you stabilize
yourself. When carrying items, try to
use bags with shoulder straps or
backpacks if possible.
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* Work to address some of the underlying
causes of older-adult falls, such as
improper footwear, impaired vision,
slick floors, poor lighting, loose rugs,
clutter or uneven surfaces. Be aware if
your loved one has been prescribed a
medication that can cause dizziness,
and encourage them to regularly engage
in a safe form of exercise, such as
swimming or chair yoga, to improve
stamina and muscle strength.
Be on the lookout for
black ice, which can form
as melting occurs, and
note locations where
frost is more likely
to create slippery
conditions, such as any
steps and elevated decks
around your home.
Since most falls occur at home, here are
10 ways to make your house (or that of a
loved one) safer:
* Remove clutter, small furniture, pet
gear, electrical cords, throw rugs and
anything else that might cause someone
to trip.
* Arrange or remove furniture so there is
plenty of room for walking.
* Secure carpets to the floor with tacks
or tape and add non-slip adhesive strips
to stairs.
* Use non-skid mats or appliques in the
bath and shower and wipe up spills
immediately.
* Make sure outdoor areas are well lit and
walkways are smooth and free from ice.
* Install grab bars in the tub, shower and
near the toilet.
* Install railings on both sides of stairs.
* Provide adequate lighting in every room
and stairway.
* Place nightlights in kitchen, bath
and hallways.
* Move often-used items such as
food and clothing so they are more
accessible and an older person won't be
tempted to use a stool or ladder to get
to them. 
Source: National Safety Council, www.nsc.org
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Cooperative Living January 2017

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