font size: a a

Start Taking Charge

It can be overwhelming, even a little scary, when you're first diagnosed with osteoporosis. However, a few simple steps can go a long way to help you live a full life. Here are a few suggestions that can help you take charge and may help to reduce your risk of breaking a bone.

Bookmark and Share
 

Suggestions to help avoid falls


How can I avoid falling and breaking a bone?
Falls account for more than half of all injuries among Canadians who are 65 or older. Among seniors, 20% of deaths related to injury are the result of a fall. Preventing falls is important when you have osteoporosis because your bones may fracture more easily. Having a fracture can greatly increase your likelihood of experiencing another one within a one-year period.

 

Don't let the fear of falling prevent you from being active! Physical activities that increase your balance and coordination can help to prevent falls, but there are a number of other things you can do to help prevent them.

If you notice any physical changes that are affecting your balance or gait, discuss them with your doctor. Here are a few factors that may affect your balance:

1. Check your medications
Some medications can increase your likelihood of falling by making you drowsy or light-headed. If you take a combination of different medications, (including those that don’t require a prescription), ask your pharmacist or doctor to have a look at them. They can tell you if there are any interactions or side effects you should know about.

2. Think about your eyes
Eyes play a role in balance. As we get older our eyesight deteriorates and depth perception is reduced, making it harder for our eyes to adjust from light to dark, and to judge distances. There are a number of conditions that may also play a role in dwindling eyesight. Any or all of these changes can make you more prone to fall so it is important to have your eyes checked regularly.

  

3. Watch your feet
Comfortable, low-heeled shoes with good support can help you avoid tripping and falling. Beware of slippers or shoes with no heels, and of crepe soles which can stick to floors – either can make you fall more easily. Keep in mind that foot pain can also affect your stability, so be sure to take care of your feet.

* Make it Fun! - Treat yourself to a regular pedicure.

4. Use aids if needed
There are a lot of devices available that can help with your balance and mobility. Simply using a cane can help improve your stability.

* Make it Fun! - Think of your cane as a fashion accessory. You’ll be amazed at the selection available once you start looking.


You can download a free brochure called "the Safe Living Guide - A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors" from the Health Canada website at:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/publications/public/injury-blessure/safelive-securite/index-eng.php

 



      




Start Taking Charge

It can be overwhelming, even a little scary, when you’re first diagnosed with osteoporosis. However, a few simple steps can go a long way to help you live a full life. Here are a few suggestions that can help you take charge and may help to reduce your risk of breaking a bone.


Suggestions to help avoid falls


How can I avoid falling and breaking a bone?

Falls account for more than half of all injuries among Canadians who are 65 or older. Among seniors, 20% of deaths related to injury are the result of a fall. Preventing falls is important when you have osteoporosis because your bones may fracture more easily. Having a fracture can greatly increase your likelihood of experiencing another one within a one-year period.


Don’t let the fear of falling prevent you from being active! Physical activities that increase your balance and coordination can help to prevent falls, but there are a number of other things you can do to help prevent them.


If you notice any physical changes that are affecting your balance or gait, discuss them with your doctor. Here are a few factors that may affect your balance:


1. Check your medications


Some medications can increase your likelihood of falling by making you drowsy or light-headed. If you take a combination of different medications, (including those that don’t require a prescription), ask your pharmacist or doctor to have a look at them. They can tell you if there are any interactions or side effects you should know about.


2. Think about your eyes


Eyes play a role in balance. As we get older our eyesight deteriorates and depth perception is reduced, making it harder for our eyes to adjust from light to dark, and to judge distances. There are a number of conditions that may also play a role in dwindling eyesight. Any or all of these changes can make you more prone to fall so it is important to have your eyes checked regularly.


3. Watch your feet


Comfortable, low-heeled shoes with good support can help you avoid tripping and falling. Beware of slippers or shoes with no heels, and of crepe soles which can stick to floors – either can make you fall more easily. Keep in mind that foot pain can also affect your stability, so be sure to take care of your feet.


* Make it Fun! – Treat yourself to a regular pedicure.


4. Use aids if needed


There are a lot of devices available that can help with your balance and mobility. Simply using a cane can help improve your stability.


* Make it Fun! – Think of your cane as a fashion accessory. You’ll be amazed at the selection available once you start looking.


You can download a free brochure called "the Safe Living Guide – A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors" from the Health Canada website at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/publications/public/injury-blessure/safelive-securite/index-eng.php



Spot the bone breakers!


Many people do not realize that items in their homes can put them at risk of accidents that can lead to broken bones.


A – Always turn on lights and hold handrails when using stairs.
B - Clear all obstacles from floors and stairs that could cause you to trip.
C -Don’t use small rugs that could slip or bunch up on bare floors.
D - Stretching electrical cords and phone lines across walking areas is dangerous.
E - Be careful with medications that affect your balance or make you drowsy
F -Only use a step-stool with attached handrails.
G -Don’t block hallways or doorways with furniture or other objects.
H - Keep hallways clear and clutter free.
I - Add lighting to dim areas in your home.
J - Make sure your shoes have non-slip soles and give you proper support.

5 . Household hazards that can cause falls



There are many hazardous items in and around the home that can cause falls. Here are a few ways you can help make your home a "fall-free" zone:


• Floors – Hard floor surfaces or low-pile carpets are best to avoid falls. Clear floors of clutter like throw rugs and electrical cords that could cause you to trip.
• Lighting – Keep hallways, stairways, and entrances well lit. Be sure to turn on the lights if you get up in the middle of the night.
• Pets – cats and dogs like to stay in close contact. Make sure you don’t trip over your pet by checking where they are when you’re moving around.
• Bathrooms – Install non-skid tape and grab bars in the tub. Also use non-skid bathmats and ensure adequate lighting.
• Kitchen – Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily. Make sure you have a sturdy step stool with a handrail to reach for things on high shelves. Also, clean up spills immediately – otherwise you may forget about them and slip later!
• Stairs – Make sure stairs have a non-slip, secure surface. Have strongly anchored handrails put on both sides of the stairs and make sure staircases are well lit.
• Outside – Make sure your stairs and driveway are cleared of snow and ice during the winter. Always stay on the lookout for uneven pavement or curbs.