Protecting Yourself From Falls

By Donna Stark

Many types of falls are fairly easy to prevent, as long as you know what to look for and if the treacherous situations are glaringly obvious, like when there is ice on the sidewalk, loose gravel on your hike, or marbles on your kitchen floor. But there are also times when the source of a potential fall isn't as obvious as those examples, and you may end up overlooking the biggest risks around. It doesn't matter what age you are because falling can happen to anybody, so you need to be diligent with your surroundings to keep yourself from crashing to the floor. Let's take a look at some of the things that aren't so obvious and that can cause you to end up on your bottom.

Four-Legged Friends

We love how attentive they are, but sometimes, as we catch ourselves from tripping over them, we may find ourselves wondering why they can't seem to give us our space. Pets certainly have a way of getting underfoot, so always be sure to keep an eye on where they are in respect to you. And don't forget those toys they carry around! Keep them in a basket when your pet is not playing with them so they don't become a tripping hazard.

Getting Dressed

It may be tempting to hop on one foot while you are putting the other leg into your pants when you get dressed or to sit on the edge of your bed while struggling to put your socks and shoes on, but there are safer ways to get ready for the day. Invest in a firm chair or bench for your bedroom and use that to help keep your balance.

Kitchen Safety

Reaching for things on high shelves, bending over and lifting heavy pans out of the cupboard, or climbing up onto the counter to get that special plate can increase your risk of falling. Safety in the kitchen is a must, so invest in a small step ladder, put the things you use regularly at a level that is easy to reach, and for Pete's sake, stop climbing on your counters!

Fear of Falling

Don't let the fear of falling keep you from living a normal life or doing the things you love, but at the same time, don't let an accidental fall keep you from doing the same too! So be mindful of your surroundings and take the proper precautions to keep yourself safe.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Renton, Wash.