HEALTH & FITNESS ask an expert
Naffisa Nathwani says
“Statistically women are more at
risk of falling and tend to have
more injurious falls when they do,
which can lead to hospitalization
for injuries like hip fractures, con-
cussion and a decreased quality
of life. If you take four or more
medications, or have a medical
condition such as dementia, osteo-
porosis, postural hypertension and
heart rate or a breathing issue like
chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, you’re more at risk. Most
at-home falls occur in the bath-
room, kitchen or on the stairs, so
it’s important to ensure you have
proper lighting and a clear path
from bedroom to bathroom to
kitchen. Beyond assessing your
home environment, get your vision
tested regularly; check your hear-
ing for inner-ear issues that affect
your balance; review your medica-
tion; consume enough calories
and eat a well-balanced diet that
includes adequate protein, calcium
and vitamin D. Also, limit alcohol
consumption and exercize regu-
larly. One of the ways you can test
your balance at home is to try and
stand on one leg for 20 seconds
without holding on to anything
and repeat with the other leg.”Send your health questions
to [email protected].Health-care pros at Women’s College Hospital in
Toronto answer readers’ health questions. This issue,
one of our experts talks fall prevention.Doctors
HOUSE
IN THE
NAFFISA NATHWANI,
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
AND PROGRAM COORDINA-
TOR FOR WELLNESS FOR
INDEPENDENT SENIORS
AT WOMEN’S COLLEGE
HOSPITAL.Q
As I age, how
worried should
I be about falls?FALL
PREVENTION 101
Even though falling seems like more of
a senior’s concern, it’s important to
remember that as we age, the risk of
falling only increases. And with cold
weather conditions on the horizon, icy
steps, paths and sidewalks make the
risk even greater. Here are some fall
prevention tips from the Public Health
Agency of Canada that’ll help you
stay on your feet.-^ Keep front steps and walkways in
good repair and free of leaves, snow
and ice.
-^ Make sure your stairs are well lit.
-^ Eat nutritious meals to keep up
strength, resistance and balance.
-^ Don’t skip meals. It can cause weak-
ness and dizziness.
-^ Engage in physical activity
every day. It’s your best defence
against falls.
-^ Walk, try tai chi or yoga. Do what you
can to maintain your flexibility and
balance.
-^ Have your hearing and vision
checked regularly.
-^ If your medication causes dizziness
or sleepiness, adjust your activities so
you aren’t at risk of falling.
-^ Don’t mix alcohol with medications.
Alone or in combination with drugs,
alcohol can cause falls.
-^ Always wear appropriate, comfort-
able footwear.