6 Simple Steps to Prevent Falls

May 04, 2019

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By Ruth Bumgarner, Healthways Coordinator at William Newton Hospital

As the weather warms and the days grow longer, many of us are becoming more active. With this increased activity, there may be an increased risk for falls.

During May’s National Trauma Awareness Month, Kristi Powers, RN, William Newton Hospital house supervisor, hopes to expand fall prevention education for at-risk patients. According to Powers, falls are the leading cause of injury in our area. Cowley County follows a national trend of escalating injuries Kristi Powersdue to falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control, three million adults age 65 and older are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year.

To help protect against falls and fall-related injuries, Powers recommends six simple steps:

1. Clear the clutter from your home – particularly walkways
2. Repair or remove any trip hazards
3. Use adequate lighting
4. Wear shoes that fit well and are supportive (not sandals)
5. Install grab bars and hand rails
6. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothes

To learn more about these simple steps, and for additional ways to help protect against falls, individuals are encouraged to participate in Stepping On. Offered by Healthways of William Newton Hospital, Stepping On is a fall prevention workshop series designed for independent older adults who have fallen, are at risk of falling, or who have a fear of falling.

“The main focus of Stepping On is preventing falls and preventing injuries at home and in the community,” says Lynda Lange, RPT, director of physical therapy at William Newton Hospital. “It introduces balance and strength exercises that are appropriate and not difficult to do.”

Lange, along with several other community guest experts, presents at Stepping On workshops about fall risk factors and prevention tactics. “The Stepping On program fits well with the ideals of physical therapy,” says Lange. “From a physical therapy standpoint, we provide information on assistive devices – how to adjust them properly, and how to use them safely and appropriately on level surfaces, stairs, and ramps.”

“I see this program as a way to educate individuals and keep them safe and in their homes longer,” says Lange.

Other fall prevention topics covered by Stepping On include home hazards, safe footwear, vision, medication risks, community mobility, and physical activity. The workshop series utilizes a small group setting, where participants learn and practice strength and balance exercises, address fall prevention tactics, and encourage behavioral changes to reduce the risk of falls.

The next session of Stepping On will begin Tuesday, May 21. For more information, or to enroll, contact Ruth Bumgarner, Healthways Coordinator, at 620.222.6262.

Ruth Bumgarner, Healthways Coordinator at William Newton Hospital, works within the community to provide health and wellness education and activities. If you have comments or story ideas, call 620.221.2300, ext. 1113.

The "Weekend Check-Up" is a regular health column published in the Cowley Courier Traveler penned by employees and friends of William Newton Hospital.