Injury Prevention and Physical Therapy
July is National Safety Month
Injury Prevention
This month we would like to focus on safety awareness! As Physical Therapists we treat all types of aches, pains and injuries but we also like to focus on educating our patient’s for injury prevention! Injuries are the leading cause of death in Americans ages 1-44. The good news is there are many things we can do to stay safe and prevent injuries. National safety month is important so that we can raise awareness about important safety issues like driving, biking, working and prevention of slips, falls and trips.
Prevention of Falls
Falls and injuries happen at home 85% of the time. It is important to know what risks may present themselves at your home in order to improve your safety! Here is a link to a checklist for home safety that each of us should review and keep in mind when moving furniture, decorating or even when visiting other people’s homes.
In the case of an emergency at home it is important that we are prepared and have the resources to handle any situation. Learning CPR, having a first aid kit on hand and having emergency numbers posted are all ways we can be safer. Here is a link for a list of emergency supplies recommended to have on hand:
As therapists we treat a lot of patients with injuries and broken bones from falls. We pride ourselves in teaching our patients how to be safe and comfortable at home. You can make small changes to help prevent falls. More than 1 in 4 older adults fall each year. Falling can lead to broken bones, trouble getting around, and other health problems – especially if you are age 65 or older.
A fracture (broken bone) can cause pain and disability. It can also make it hard to do everyday activities without help, like cooking a meal or taking a shower. Broken hips can cause serious health problems – and even death.
Steps For Fall Prevention
The good news is there are lots of things you can do to lower your risk of falling. Take these steps:
- Talk with your doctor about falls and how to prevent them.
- Do exercises to improve your balance and leg strength.
- Review all medicines with your doctor or pharmacist. Some medicines can make you dizzy or sleepy and cause you to fall.
- Get your vision checked by an eye doctor every 1 to 2 years. Update your glasses or contact lenses when your vision changes.
- ake your home safer. For example, add grab bars inside and outside your bathtub or shower – and put railings on both sides of stairs.
If you would like to schedule a screening with one of our physical therapists to discuss how we can assist you with preventing injuries, click here. https://aquacarephysicaltherapy.com/free-consultation/
Written by Tessa Doughty PTA- Clinical Director of Salisbury Milford Street
