The Yoakum Community Hospital Auxiliary hosted their Annual Awards Banquet on Friday, January 11th at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Wade Zidek, YCH Physical Therapist, gave a very informative presentation about Fall Prevention, Exercise, and Independent Living.

If you want to stay in your home for as long as possible, you certainly do not want to fall and risk an injury. Most serious falls occur in and around the home, and can be life-changing. Statistics show that 30% of those over 65 fall every year, while only 50% of those over 85 survive more than a year when hospitalized as a result of serious injury from a fall. To help maintain your independence, it’s important to understand the ways you can protect yourself from falls. Here are few tips on how to prevent falls and maintain your independence!

1. Ask your physician or pharmacist about the effects of the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking. Some medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness that can lead to falls. As people age, the effects of medications may change.
2. Have your eyes checked every year. Vision problems can cause falls.
3. Check with your physician about the physical activity and exercise appropriate for you. Stay as physically active as you can. Exercise helps to prevent falls, especially activities that enhance balance and coordination. Even exercises in a chair will benefit your body, especially in inclement weather.
4. Be careful in choosing shoes as they can cause you to trip. The soles should be non-slip and not too thick.
5. Use a cane or walker if you experience a fall. They can significantly reduce your risk. Don’t forget to use a Life Alert!
6. If you experience dizziness when rolling in bed or with quick head movements, you could be at risk for a fall. Thankfully, this is a treatable issue known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV. Your local Physical Therapist can help to evaluate and treat this issue.

For more information or questions, please call the Yoakum Community Hospital Physical Therapy Department at (361) 293-2321 ext. 152.