Don't Let Snow and Ice Send you Slipping and Tripping
 
 
Snow, sleet and icy roads and walkways can make getting around not only challenging, but dangerous. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits, and wintry conditions raise the potential of taking a life-changing tumble. Here are some simple tips to help you be Winter STEADY:
  • Allow extra time to get places in the winter. If you don't feel safe, ask for help.
     
  • When conditions are icy, walk with a buddy or carry a cell phone.
     
  • Assume that surfaces that look slippery are slippery and find another way.
     
  • Keep rock salt, sand and a shovel available near entrances to your home. Carry a small bag of sand or rock salt in your coat pocket for when you are away from home.
     
  • Don't try to walk in more than an inch of snow.
     
  • Bundle up, but make sure you can see in all directions and move freely.
     
  • Wear winter boots that fit well and provide more traction than tennis or dress shoes.
     
  • Check that the rubber tips on canes and walkers are in good repair.
Your home can also use a winter tune-up to keep you warm, cozy and safe from falls. You can increase the lighting in your home with extra lamps and by using the highest-wattage bulbs recommended for your fixtures. If you use space heaters, keep them and all cords out of walkways. If you use throw rugs on cold floors, secure them to the floor with tape.

With a few precautions, you winter can be safe and falls-free.

STEADY U Ohio Tip of the Day
"Tip of the Day" In Review

In case you missed some, here are recent "tips of the day," as featured on the STEADY U Ohio website.
  • Dec. 13, 2016 - As you age, sensation in your feet can decline, especially if you have arthritis, diabetes or heart disease. A decrease in sensation can affect balance.
     
  • Dec. 14, 2016 - Doing last minute shopping? Remember to tell store staff if you see any slipping or tripping hazards, such as spills, loose mats and anyone behaving in an unsafe manner.
     
  • Dec. 15, 2016 - Your shoes should completely surround your feet. Avoid floppy, backless slippers or shoes without backs.
     
  • Dec. 16, 2016 - Enjoy the celebrations of the season, but drink responsibly. Alcohol use increases your risk of falling.
     
  • Dec. 17, 2016 - Easy exercise: Use a sturdy kitchen chair to stand and sit slowly without hands, keeping your back straight. Aim for 12 reps at a time.
     
  • Dec. 18, 2016 - At least half of all falls happen at home and generally take place when doing ordinary things like walking on stairs, getting up from bed or going to the bathroom.
     
  • Dec. 19, 2016 - While adding grab bars to your bathroom can be a do-it-yourself job, having them professionally installed and tested gives you added peace of mind.
     
You can have your tip featured as a tip of the day! Submit your tip(s) via our website, Facebook or Twitter (hashtag #PreventFalls).
News Roundup

Every day, we scour the Web looking for the latest news, information and research on falls and fall prevention.

Upcoming Events

A Matter of Balance
 
A Matter of Balance is a community-based intervention designed to help individuals learn to manage their falls risk and increase their activity levels without fear of falling.
 

Tai Chi to Prevent Falls

Tai Chi
The STEADY U Ohio website now includes information about tai chi, a centuries-old, mind and body practice that has been proven to improve balance and reduce falls, and may have other health benefits like reduced pain, improved mood and decreased anxiety. Tai chi uses fluid, whole-body movements to gently challenge and strengthen balance, mental focus, deep breathing and relaxation.

 
If you represent an organization that would like to bring tai chi to your community, or are a tai chi instructor interested in being added to our list, please contact the Ohio Older Adult Falls Prevention Coalition at 937-642-2053.

Falls Risk Self-Assessment
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