SEPTEMBER IS FALL PREVENTION MONTH

Reserve a spot in either of the following Matter of Balance classes by calling 845-364-2501:

• Tuesdays, September 9 to October 28, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Orangeburg Library, 20 Greenbush Road in Orangeburg
• Tuesdays, September 9 to October 28, from 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at the Nanuet Library, 149 Church Street in Nanuet
• Get up from a chair slowly; before moving forward, take a second to balance yourself, and count to ten before you take a step.
• Sit down to put your pants on.
• Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes with low heels and non-slip soles.
• See an eye specialist once a year. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
• Review your medications annually with your doctor. Some medications have side effects that can cause dizziness.
• Increase physical activity – regular exercise increases balance and strength.
• Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs and clutter in walkways.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Have grab bars installed next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Have handrails on both sides of stairways and improve lighting in the entire home.
• Ask for help if you need to reach items on high shelves or use a reacher (a device to help you), rather than stand on unsteady chairs or ladders.  Keep items you use the most within reach.
• Ask your health care provider to do a fall risk assessment at your annual check-up. Medicare covers fall risk assessments and referrals (called STEADI – Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) as part of your annual check-up.