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VITALITY
Spring 2016
Take action today.
Call
417-328-7000
to schedule your eye
examwith Chetan
Soni, M.D. (See
page 15.)
COMMUNITY
TAGLINE HERE
AGING
Stay steady
on your feet
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute
on Aging
Aging may be inevitable,
but falls
among older adults don’t have to be.
Every year, more than one-third of
U.S. adults 65 and older take a fall.
Yet many of these mishaps could be
avoided with a few preventive steps.
Prevention is important—once
you’ve fallen, you may find yourself
dealing with a laceration, a hip
fracture or even a traumatic brain
injury. You may end up in the
hospital after a bad tumble. And in
some cases, serious falls and their
complications result in death.
To take an active role in
sidestepping such accidents and
injuries, try the following tips:
EXERCISE REGULARLY.
Improving your balance,
coordination and overall strength
greatly lowers your chance of
falling. Talk with your doctor
to see what type of exercise
program is right for you.
CHOOSE THE
RIGHT SHOES.
Low-heeled and
rubber-soled shoes
help keep your feet
securely on the
ground. Walking
around in socks,
backless shoes or
floppy slippers raises
the risk that you may
lose your footing.
HAVE A MEDICATION
REVIEW.
Blood pressure pills, heart medicine
and muscle relaxants are among
the medications that can make you
feel confused, slow or dizzy. Visit
with your doctor or pharmacist to
make sure your medicines aren’t
increasing the risk of a tumble.
GET AVISION EXAM.
Glaucoma, cataracts and other eye
problems can interfere with vision.
Proper eye care and the correct
eyewear will help you steer clear of
obstacles in your path.
MODIFY YOUR
LIVING SPACE.
Most falls happen at home, but
minor modifications can reduce
by half your risk of falling in your
residence:
»
»
Remove clutter from stairs and
floors.
»
»
Use nonslip rugs and mats.
»
»
Keep all areas adequately lighted.
»
»
Place handrails along stairs and in
showers and tubs.
»
»
Put nonslip treads on vinyl-covered
and wood steps.
»
»
Keep electrical cords out of the
way.
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