Winter 101: Your Complete Safety Guide to Prevent Slips and Falls
Get ahead of slips and falls this winter! Here are some tips to help you and your loved ones reduce the risk of a fall this season and avoid potential injuries.
We all know that falls in icy conditions can happen to anyone, but who do you think is most at risk? We all need to be mindful of the weather and the increased risk of slips and falls this winter. Unfortunately, as we get older, we are more at risk for falls, which are now the leading cause of injury for the 65+ age population. As the conditions get icy, we tend to see a rise in fall-related injuries such as concussions, fractures, and back strains and pain. Each year, 3 million older people are treated in the emergency room for an injury related to a fall. United States injuries incidence after a fall continue to increase at 1.5% per year, which correlates to 106,000 new fall injuries nationally, or more than $1 billion in fall injury spending.
Am I At Risk For Falls?
A fall is something that nobody wants to experience. They can leave us or a loved one with bruises, scrapes, broken bones and worse. But how do we know if we are at risk for falls? Answer the questions below to see if you are someone that is at a higher risk for falls and learn the resources available to help prevent a fall from occurring.
Winter is Coming: How to Avoid Slips & Spills
It’s that time of year yet again, where fall turns the outdoors into a blustery obstacle course for many of us living in the Midwest. Despite popular belief, it is not only the elderly who are at increased risk for falls in the winter. One study shows that the working-age population was the leading group with emergency department visits for fall-related injuries in the winter months of 2006-2011. We all need to be mindful of the weather and increased risks for falls that come with snow, ice and windy weather. According to the CDC, approximately 1 million Americans are injured annually as the result of falling on ice and snow, with 17,000 of these injuries resulting in fatality. The best way to avoid becoming a statistic is to reduce risky behavior and be proactive. To do just that, here are some Physical Therapist-approved tips for preventing falls this winter.
Give the Gift of Fall Prevention for the Holidays
The holidays are fast approaching! With all the yummy food and many miles to travel also comes time with our families. Many of us will visit our aging parents or grandparents, and amidst conversations around jobs or children, we may find ourselves hearing about an injury or fall that has occurred.
