How's your balancing act?

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Our corporate wellness director Sheila Cole shares important tips to help you maintain strength and balance in this informative video — check it out!

Will you be one of the 3 million this year?

That’s how many people will go to the emergency room because of a fall. And — every year, more than 25% of those age 65 or older have a fall.

Falls are often directly tied to your balance, medications and unseen hazards.

What causes balance issues?

Balance can be affected by many issues — vision changes and vertigo are common ones. Motion sickness happens when your eyes tell you the car or boat is steady but your inner ear senses motion. Vertigo is that sudden sensation of unsteadiness or spinning, which is often caused by inner ear problems.

Medications

Several medications like antidepressants, sedatives or tranquilizers can cause dizziness or vertigo, which can lead to a fall.

Unseen hazards

Hidden, or forgotten, hazards in the home or nearby are common culprits. Uneven steps, throw rugs and clutter are often the cause of a fall. Likewise, not enough lighting is the root of many falls because the person didn’t see the hazard.

Positional low blood pressure

This is a drop in blood pressure that happens when you’re rising from a chair or bed. This sudden drop can cause light headedness and unsteadiness.

Nerve damage or issues in your feet

Neuropathy, or nerve damage in your feet, causes a lack of feeling or sensation and can lead to falls because your feet can’t feel what you’re walking on.

What to do?

Here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of falls.

Talk to your doctor
Ask your doctor to review your medications to see if they could cause dizziness; also ask about supplements that perhaps could help you.
Have your eyes checked
Make sure your glasses are the latest prescription. Seeing properly means you’re less likely to trip and fall.
Make your home safer
Remove throw rugs and other tripping hazards. Add grab bars near toilets and showers. Make sure stairs have a railing on both sides. Consider adding extra lighting, if possible.
Do strength and balance exercises
Exercises that make your legs stronger can help improve your balance. For example, one-leg stands for 5 to 10 seconds are a great way to strengthen your legs.