Falls in the home happen much more than they should. Since 2007, fall rates have increased every year.

There are ways to prevent falls from happening and to lower your fall risk, and our AFC Urgent Care Farragut team highlights them below.

• Here’s what to do: Stay active. Exercises that increase strength and balance are some of the best things you can do, but some activity is better than none. Avoiding maintaining a sedentary lifestyle by doing things like walking.
• What to do next: Make your home safer. Removing clutter, such as stray wires or boxes, from frequently walked-through areas is a huge part of lowering your fall risk.
• What to do after: Improve the safety of the bathroom. The bathroom is typically the most slippery room in the home, and according to studies, 80% of falls happen in the bathroom. Consider adding grab bars inside and outside the bathtub or shower.
• Another tip: Make sure your indoor space is well-lit. A brighter space is a safer space. If you don’t like bright overhead lights, add more lamps.
• Something else to keep in mind: Wear footwear that has some grip. Slippery socks and slippers can cause falls, so consider wearing shoes or socks with rubber grips on the bottom to reduce your fall risk.
• If a fall does happen: Call your doctor or a loved one, or if you’re hurt, call 911. Letting someone know that you’ve fallen isn’t being dramatic. Statistics show that falling once doubles your chances of falling again, and telling someone about your first fall can prevent a second fall from happening.
• Action steps to take: To be safe, get your vision checked by an eye doctor every one to two years. The slightest changes in vision and hearing can lead to potential falls.
• Doctor recommendations: If you are worried that you or a loved one may fall, talk to a medical professional at our AFC center about falls and how to prevent them. A part of discussing fall risk is reviewing medications that you or your loved one may be taking, as some medicines can result in sleepiness or dizziness.

Have additional questions or concerns? Our AFC Urgent Care Farragut team is here for you, so don’t hesitate to reach our or stop by today!