BALANCE & SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT FALLS
When you have a vestibular problem or a balance problem, there are some simple things you can do to increase your safety and reduce your risk of falling: • Use a night-light: We use our vision to help us balance. When it is dark, you can’t use vision so your vestibular system and other systems are challenged. If you have a problem in these areas, you are at risk for losing your balance. Place a night light in the bathroom and hallways so night- time trips to the bathroom are safe. • Be careful with throw-rugs: Make sure all rugs have a non-slip bottom and won’t slide when stepped on. Even if the rug has a non-slip bottom, it could be a tripping hazard so consider taking it up. (don’t use it!) • Keep walkways clear: Get rid of clutter. Don’t put extraneous things in walkways that would require you to walk around them or step over them. • Use non-slip mats in a shower or tub. • Have grab bars installed in a shower and toilet area. Have hand rails installed at stairs and any steps in and outside the house. • Be careful turning your head while walking: turning your head while standing or walking challenges your balance. If your balance is impaired, turn your head slower or hold onto something while turning your head. • Wear shoes with safe non-slip soles: socks and stockings are slippery and can be a risk. Special non-slip socks have grips on the soles for an easy-to-wear alternative. • Keep one hand free: When carrying objects, don’t overdo it. Keep one hand free to catch yourself or to touch a rail, table or chair. Ask your physical therapist for ideas on specific carrying options when you need to use an assistive device such as a walker or cane. • Move more carefully, mindfully, slowly: If you become dizzy when changing positions, pause in the sitting or standing positions before moving away from your chair or bed, allowing your brain and inner ear structures to catch up with your intentions.
Ask your physical therapist if you need an assistive device such as a walker or cane to help with safety when you find yourself nearly falling. At Zionsville Physical Therapy, we can help improve your balance with treatments designed specifically for you. Contact us today to learn how we can get you one step closer to a more active, better balanced lifestyle. Birth Boot Camp This 10 week Comprehensive Class will be held at ZPTSunday afternoons, February 10 through April 14, from 3 to 5:30 pm , and will cover all areas of natural birth, nutrition, exercise, relaxation, communication tools, options regarding pros and cons of standard tests and procedures during pregnancy, and the physical and emotional processes in labor and delivery. It is taught by Liz Escoffery, who was certified in October 2017 through Birth Boot Camp, a Texas based company. This class is great for those with July, August and September due dates. Couples can learn more at IndyFertilityCare.com or BirthBootCamp.com. February 10th - April 14th!
CALL TODAY! 317.873.2033
www.ZionsvillePT.com
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