pthom3000Balance: What is balance? Balance is the distribution of weight, enabling a person to remain upright and steady. What helps/hinders balance? What are some of the frequent causes of falling?
- Dizziness – high blood pressure or dehydration; possible change of medication
- Tripping – clutter; ill-fitting shoes; loose carpets; inability to lift feet properly.
Loss of balance, falling and the negative impact on our wellbeing. Not discounting the physical implications of falling; there is a huge negative impact on a person’s mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that there is a definite depressive component to the realization that one is not always able to keep themselves safe from falling.
Falling: At this juncture I want to attach a link to Bob and Brad YouTube channel; there is a great video on ‘how’ to fall. Now I want to be clear here; I DO NOT want you to ‘practice’ falling. That said, watching this video might give you a quick mental suggestion if you fall.
What to do If You Fall:
- DON’T PANIC
- Take a deep breath and slowly assess your body. i.e.: Can you move your neck without pain? Can you see any blood? Do any limbs look misaligned suggesting a break?
- When you feel ready; role to your side: start with your head, followed by outer arm and leg.
- Rest and assess.
- If you are ready, continue to role onto your stomach.
- Rest and assess.
- Pull your arms back and push up on your forearms and up on your knees.
- Rest and assess.
- Crawl to a chair or stair to aid in getting up.
- If you feel dizzy or pain; try to crawl to a phone.
- If you can’t get up right away; grab something to cover yourself with and something to put under your head.
Finally, and most importantly; if this is a reoccurring situation, I would strongly suggest that you investigate getting a fall alert device; particularly if you live alone.
I am including a video on ‘how’ to get up from a fall as well as some falls prevention exercises from Fraser Health’s’ falls prevention materials.