Preventing a fall that can result in serious injuries and even death is not only done by being more careful, but by taking precautionary measures against falls.
One of the ways to prevent falls is to exercise, as recommended by Judy A. Stevens, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among those individuals who fall could have been in better physical conditions, according to Stevens. Regular exercise can help with balance and stability.
Surprisingly, an exercise called tai chi has been found to help reduce the risk of falls. Tai chi involves very slow, purposeful movements in coordination with breathing and muscle activity, which in turn affects respiration, balance, and gait.
A retirement facility near San Francisco offers this program to their residents twice a year. The residents are tested before and after for how many times they can rise from a chair without using their arms. The facility said they marked improvement after the tai chi.
Integrating balance and strength training into daily life can help decrease your risk of a fall. A study suggests that vitamin D can also improve muscle strength and balance, thus reducing your fall risk. Also, remaining hydrated is extremely important for people at risk for low blood pressure.
Individuals on medications can be at an especially high risk of falling. Drugs such as anti-depressant, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines are most clearly implicated in falls, as these can directly affect your balance.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a fall as a result of the property owner or someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free consultation today. We’re here to help.
Read the full article here.
