How to Balance Life, Sidestepping Falls
By Sandy Schroeder
Balance is basic for all of us. But if you have ever slid across a wet floor, or missed a step as you hurried down the stairs, you know anyone can lose their balance in a second.
If you, or someone in your family, is struggling with the issue of balance, take steps now to reduce the risk of falling. I saw a senior’s life quickly spiral out of control after a serious fall. One day she was active and productive, the next she was caught in a long painful path of recovery with reduced mobility.
Reduce the Risk
Make your home a safer place, and help the individual regain their life.
Visiting The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you can help to pinpoint the problem, and pull together a solution. The Joint is staffed with a team of skilled professionals, who help solve all sorts of issues for everyone, from teens to seniors.
In the initial visit, your chiropractor will do an evaluation, discussing balance issues, regular routines and medical history. More assessments may be needed to check for vision problems, hearing disorders, or more serious health conditions. Alcohol and medications can add to the risk.
Secure the Home
Clear the Way – Open up safe walkways, moving excess furniture, and removing throw rugs. Consider carpeting over potentially slick wood or tile floors.
Light Up – Keep the home well lit, with night lighting for bedrooms and baths. Add solar lights outside.
Lend a Hand – Add handrails along stairways and halls. Install grab bars near showers, tubs and toilets. Special seating with armrests can be added to toilets.
Make It Non-slip - Add nonslip mats or treads to bathroom floors, steps and decks. Put a non-slip mat in the tub, along with a bath bench.
Restore Confidence, Retain Lifestyle
In the move to avoid falls, restoring the confidence of the individual as you help them improve their balance is crucial. If individuals stay active, they can overcome the fear of falling. This, in turn, helps to avoid reduced mobility, weaker muscles and more falls.
Make sure the individual has shoes that fit well and provide support. And consider classes, such as tai chi, that use slow graceful movements to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and lift moods.
Treating balance as a serious issue can do a lot to keep everyone in your family safe. When you need more help, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic in your neighborhood. The Joint has an affordable care program that eliminates the need for insurance, and they provide extended weekend and evening hours. No appointments are needed.