Did you know that taking some medications can increase your risk of falling?
Did you know not taking some medications can increase your risk of falling?
Did you know some medical conditions can increase your risk of falling?
Did you know not getting enough of some vitamins can increase your risk of falling?
Wow, fall risks are so complicated!
The Centers for Disease Control recently created and released a tool for healthcare providers and patients to help screen for and diminish fall risk. You can find it at http://www.cdc.gov/steadi/patient.html. I encourage you to use these tools to minimize your risks.
Some of the things addressed are clutter in your home that can trip you, the importance of exercise to stay strong, use/add grab bars, sturdy hand rails, wear shoes or nonslip slippers, improve lighting, and more.
In addition, have a medication expert review all of your medications to minimize the fall risk caused by drugs that you take. This is an area where all of your healthcare team can work together to make sure your risks are minimized.
Some types of medication are more likely than others to make falls occur more easily. Then, if you take several of these medicines, your risk is even higher.
The vitamin associated with falls is vitamin D. If you have too little vitamin D your risk is higher. If your doctor has not checked your vitamin D level, request that be done at your next visit. Most adults have a deficiency.
If you would like a thorough fall risk assessment, please contact us at www.medsmash.com.
For further application, check out my personal blog.