By Dr. Carlos Isales
Orthopaedic Surgery and Medicine
MCG Health System 

Each year, more than 11 million seniors will fall and injure themselves, but there are several things they can do themselves to prevent this. By taking the following simple steps, seniors can greatly decrease their chances of falling, and increase the quality of their golden years.

• Begin a Regular Exercise Routine. This is one of the best ways to prevent falling, since it makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Weight bearing exercises or exercises that improve balance and coordination are the best, such as Tai Chi. The lack of  exercise can lead to weakness and actually increases your chances of falling. Talk to your doctor about the best exercise regimen for you.
• Review Your Medicines. Have your doctor or pharmacist review all your medications, even over-the-counter medicines. As you age, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines can make you sleepy and dizzy, and can cause a fall.
• Have Your Vision Checked. Once a year you should have your eyes checked by an eye doctor. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have glaucoma or cataracts, which can limit your vision. Poor vision can increase your chance for falling.

Since 60 percent of falls happen in the home, seniors can do many things to avoid falling in their homes:

• Remove tripping hazards from the stairs and places where you walk.
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep them from slipping.
• Keep items you use most often in cabinets you can reach without using a stool.
• Have grab bars put in next to the toilet, tub or shower.
• Use non-slip mats in the tub and shower.
• Improve the lighting in your home. Use brighter lights, and hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
• Have handrails and lights installed near all staircases.
• Wear shoes at all times, whether indoors or outdoors. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.

If you follow all these precautions, but still fall, don’t panic. Determine if you are hurt, and if you are injured, don’t attempt to get up. Call for help on a cell phone or crawl slowly to the phone. If you are strong enough to get up, slide or crawl along the floor to the nearest couch or chair, and pull yourself up.

MCG Health System is composed of three organizations - MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia, and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for delivering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.