Every October, Husker Rehab (huskerrehab.com) celebrates National Physical Therapy Month to raise awareness about the many benefits of physical therapy. This year’s theme was falls and fall-related injury prevention and awareness, and while National Physical Therapy Month is officially over, the team at Husker Rehab wants to remind you that you can take actions you can take.
- Maintain mobility and improve strength. Stay active by doing physical activities that you enjoy to help maintain strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. It also can reduce your fear of falling. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends physical therapy (with exercise) focused on balance, stability and the ability to perform everyday tasks to help prevent falls.
- Get a falls screening. Ask your physical therapist or primary care provider about a falls screening. A physical therapist or other trained health care provider can assess your falls risk and work with you to find ways to decrease your risk of falling.
- Mind your medications. If you take more than four medicines (prescribed or over the counter), your risk of falling is higher. Many drugs can cause you to be dizzy, lose your balance, have blurry vision and much more. Review your medications with your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms.
- Eliminate hazards around your home. Look around your home to identify anything that could cause you to trip or slip. Stairs with no railing, throw rugs, clutter, poor lighting and even wobbly furniture or handrails could cause a fall.
- Improve home safety. Add a secure grab bar in the tub or shower and next to the toilet.
The professionals at Husker Rehab are experts and can help you build your strength and balance program to prevent falls or recover from a fall related injury.
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