Let’s Talk About Fall . . . Prevention

It’s fall, which means the temperatures are (finally!) starting to get cooler, Halloween candy is lining store shelves, and pumpkins are appearing on front porches. But here at the El Mirage Emergency Room, we’ve got fall prevention on our minds.

Falling remains a major cause of injury and death across the world, with an estimated 75 fatal deaths occurring worldwide each hour. In the United States alone, more than 95,000 older adults are hospitalized each year from falling. Falls are responsible for the majority of hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries, and can also cause joint dislocation and soft tissue injury.

The fact that so many falls are preventable makes these statistics all the more jarring. It’s estimated that nearly a third of all falls are preventable. In recognition of National Falls Prevention Awareness Week, here are a few ways you can work to ensure you’re as safe as possible in your home and community:

Get Checked

Specifically getting your eyes and feet checked to rule out or address issues can be effective in ensuring safe mobility. You can also ask your healthcare provider to review your medications to ensure there are no interactions that could have side effects such as dizziness.

Give your home a once-over

Consider getting rid of throw rugs, décor, or other items on your floor to ensure clear walkways. We also recommend relocating hard-to-reach items to more accessible areas to avoid the need to use step stools or standing on chairs. Ensure the lighting in your home allows you to clearly see all walking areas.

Take care of your body

You might be surprised to learn that your hydration, nutrition, and activity level can play key roles in helping you maintain your balance. Drinking enough water and eating enough protein and other nutrients can help your body be strong and stable. We also recommend balance exercises to ensure adequate muscle strength. Not only can these tips help prevent a fall, but maintaining good body health can help you recover more quickly if you do suffer a tumble.

Was your fall serious?

While many falls are not serious enough to warrant seeking urgent medical treatment, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms that may mean an emergency room visit is needed. Here are ten symptoms that are signs you should visit your El Mirage Emergency Room after a fall.

You’re experiencing bleeding or vomiting
You have pain that gets worse with movement
Your fall was greater than 15 feet
Your pain is extreme
You have a seizure
You have trouble breathing
Your balance is off
You hit your head during the fall
Your speech is slurred
You’re confused

We hope that this fall finds you healthy and well, and without injuries. And we are proud that when the El Mirage community members are in need of fast, quality, and thoughtful emergency care, the El Mirage Emergency Room is here. We take the health of you and your loved ones seriously, and will be here for all your urgent and emergency healthcare needs in El Mirage.