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About NWMOAAA
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Exercise Regularly
Programs that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC),
exercise is the only intervention that
by itself
reduces falls among older adults!
The "Steady As You Go" initiative is a project
of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
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Have Your Doctor or Pharmacist Review Your Medicines
Review both prescription and over-the-counter
to reduce side effects and interactions that could cause dizziness,
light-headedness, an unsteady gait, blurred vision, sedation, decreased
alertness,
confusion or impaired judgment.
The "Steady As You Go" initiative is a project
of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
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Have Your Vision Checked At Least Once a Year
Vision loss
can contribute to falls by disturbing balance and by obscuring tripping and
slipping hazards. Many vision conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma
and macular degeneration, are gradual and painless. If these
conditions are diagnosed early, they can be managed to minimize vision loss.
The "Steady As You Go" initiative is a project
of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
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Improve
Your Home Lighting
Make sure you have good lighting in rooms, hallways and outside. Use
night lights as well. Change light bulbs in lamps as they burn out -
but get someone else to help you replace ceiling and outside lights!
The "Steady As You Go" initiative is a project
of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
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Make Your
Home Safer
Reduce the
hazards that lead to falls. Repair loose carpets, remove throw rugs,
install bathroom safety equipment, move electric cords out of the way, and
fix slippery or uneven surfaces.
The "Steady As You Go" initiative is a project
of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
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Other Home
Safety Tips:
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Know where
your pets are before you step. Tripping over pets or their
toys is fairly common.
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Avoid
climbing on ladders, step stools or chairs to reach things.
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If you are
prone to falls, always wear an electronic monitoring device in order to
call for help quickly if you call.
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Clearly
mark the edge of your outside stairs to make them more visible.
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Be careful
when you walk outside. Ice, snow and rain can cause slippery
walking conditions.
The "Steady As You Go" initiative is a project
of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
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For more fall
prevention information, contact your local Aging Resource Center or the
Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging.
Northwest Missouri
Area Agency on Aging
21-Sept-2011 -e |