Stay Safe and Steady This Summer: Fall Prevention Tips From Your Senior Primary Care Team

Stay Safe and Steady This Summer: Fall Prevention Tips From Your Senior Primary Care Team

Summer is a great time to enjoy the activities you love, and staying steady on your feet can help you keep doing them. Taking steps to prevent falls is an important way to protect your independence and well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults age 65 and older experiences a fall each year, making falls one of the leading causes of injury among seniors. More than 3 million older adults visit emergency departments annually because of falls, and more than 90% of hip fractures are caused by falling.

The good news is you can reduce your risk of falling with just a few simple changes and by staying proactive about your health.

What Dr. Yoganand Wants You to Know About Fall Prevention

As one of the physicians who helped open our AdventHealth Well 65+ Winter Garden location, senior primary care provider Shashi Yoganand, MD, is passionate about helping older adults maintain their health, mobility and quality of life through personalized, preventive care.

“As we head into the summer months, I encourage you to take a few moments to review fall prevention tips and share them with a loved one. If you’ve been feeling unsteady, please don’t wait to reach out. Your safety and independence matter deeply to all of us,” Dr. Yoganand says.

Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults at Home

“While falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits for adults over 65, they don’t have to be a normal part of aging,” says Dr. Yoganand. “Small changes can make a big difference in reducing your risk of falling.”

1. Clear Your Path

Walk through your home and look for potential trip hazards or ways to keep your residence safer, such as:

• Removing loose rugs or securing them with non-slip backing
• Keeping electrical cords and clutter out of walkways
• Ensuring hallways, stairways and entrances are well-lit
• Adding nightlights between your bedroom and bathroom to make nighttime trips safer

2. Strengthen Your Balance

Building strength and improving your balance can help you stay steady on your feet. Try exercises such as:

• Standing on one foot while holding onto a sturdy chair or countertop
• Walking heel to toe
• Practicing sit-to-stand movements from a chair

“If you have concerns about your balance, talk to us about developing an action plan,” Dr. Yoganand says. “We can help create a plan that’s right for you.”

3. Review Your Medications

Some medications — including those used to treat blood pressure, allergies or sleep concerns — can increase the risk of dizziness or drowsiness.

Bring an up-to-date list of all your medications to your appointments so you can review them with your provider. If you’ve recently experienced a fall, feel unsteady while walking or are having new episodes of dizziness, don’t wait until your next scheduled visit. Give us a call. Our 24/7 call line is always ready to help.

Should I Stop Taking Medication if It Makes Me Dizzy?

“Please do not stop any medication without speaking to us first,” Dr. Yoganand says.

For example, some blood pressure medications can cause lightheadedness, especially when standing up too quickly. In many cases, the solution isn’t stopping the medication. Your provider may recommend adjusting the dose, changing when you take it or suggesting simple strategies like standing up more slowly.

If you’re concerned about dizziness, we’re here to help you find the safest solution.

When Should You Call AdventHealth Well 65+?

Your senior primary care team is here for you day and night. Before heading to an urgent care center or the emergency room, call us first. We can help you determine the right next step and, in many cases, help you get the care you need without an unnecessary trip to the ER.

Call us at 833-323-6724 if you’re experiencing:

• Dizziness
• A minor fall
• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Mild shortness of breath
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain, eye pain or other new pain

If you experience severe chest pain, signs of a stroke, significant difficulty breathing or another medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Stay Up to Date on Preventive Care

Preventing falls is just one part of staying healthy as you age. Keeping up with recommended screenings and wellness visits can help identify concerns early and support your long-term well-being.

Talk with your senior primary care provider about whether you’re due for:

• A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
• Mammogram
• Colon cancer screening
• Osteoporosis screening
• Diabetic eye exam
• Age-appropriate immunizations

In addition to staying current with preventive screenings, these healthy habits can help support your overall well-being:

• Stay physically active
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Keep an active social life
• Stay on top of medication refills
• Challenge your mind with activities you enjoy

We’re Here to Help You Live Well

At AdventHealth Well 65+, our goal is to help you stay safe, active and independent through every season of life. Whether you have questions about your balance, medications or preventive care, your care team is here to support your whole health.

If you’ve experienced a fall, have concerns about your balance or simply want to stay ahead of your health, schedule an appointment with your provider. Together, we will help you stay healthy, active and independent so you can continue enjoying the people and activities that matter most.