The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, and one-third of older Canadians experience one or more falls each year. Here are four simple steps to help you prevent a fall.

Disorders, especially those of the eyes or ears, may increase your risk. Do your legs feel unstable or hurt when you walk? Do you have dizzy spells? Some medications may contribute to those factors. A Yurek pharmacist will advise if your prescriptions might affect your balance. Re-assess annually or at every change in medication or health status. Knowing your fall risk will help you make safer choices!

Regular physical activity keeps you strong, improves your balance and coordination, and prevents joints and ligaments from stiffening up. Join an activity group for added social connection and support.

Footwear is crucial to your stability, and ill-fitting or slippery shoes can contribute to a fall. If you are unsteady, consider mobility or assistive devices like walkers, canes, or crutches. They will help give you the support you need. Handrails, grab bars, shower seats, and raised toilets also help keep daily living safe.

Better lighting, clear walking paths, and mobility safety equipment will help avoid a fall at home. Check out our Safely at Home guide filled with fall prevention tips: https://yurekpharmacy.com/?r3d=yurek-home-safety-guide.

Contact your Yurek pharmacist for more information or find an extensive list of resource http://canadianfallprevention.ca/resources-and-links/.

By Daria Horbal, BSc.Phm.