It's the first day of fall and that means it's time for the leaves to change color and the weather to start getting cooler. At Resurgens Orthopaedics, we love the fall weather but there's another kind of fall we're not so fond of. We're referring to the type of fall that, according to the World Health Organization, is the second leading cause of death from accidental injuries around the world. Everyone should feel safe, no matter what time of year it is, so here is some information from our staff about falls and how you may be able to prevent them in the future.

Age is a Factor in Falling Injuries
Although people of all ages can be injured or killed in falls, it's much more common among people over the age of 65. Certain prescription medications, along with a number of medical conditions, can make seniors more likely to fall. Other conditions like osteoporosis can exacerbate the danger of falling by making serious bone fractures a real possibility.

Falling Prevention at Work
Depending on your work environment, your falling hazards may be different. One thing to watch out for is slippery or wet surfaces. Be sure to wear shoes with non-slip soles when working in such an environment. For people who work in high places, it's important to follow all safety precautions, which includes wearing proper safety gear like harnesses and helmets.

Falling Prevention at Home
While anyone can fall at home, older people are at a considerably higher risk of injury or death. Installing grab bars around the shower and toilet can be a good way to make those areas safer. Stairs can also be a problem for seniors, so you might want to consider putting in a stair lift or moving to a rancher-style house if you have difficulty with stairs. Even small changes can make a huge difference, like removing clutter or switching to higher-wattage light bulbs to make your home more easily navigable.

If you'd like some advice on fall prevention or are interested in instituting a fall prevention program for yourself or a loved one, it's a good idea to speak to a doctor like the ones at Resurgens Orthopaedics.