If you enjoy traveling the beautiful covered bridges of our region, then you might want to attend monthly meetings of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society in Manheim. This public group loves to share information on the history of our bridges and encourages their preservation. We here at Martin Foot and Ankle encourage the preservation of your health and mobility, which is why we share these tips for fall prevention both outdoors and under your own roof.
When getting about outdoors, it helps to be properly equipped. The right footwear is naturally essential, and rubber soles built for traction are ideal. A cane or walker is a wise choice for added stability, if needed. In winter, when snow and ice have built up along paths, consider walking in the grass or soft snow instead of problem areas. If you can’t avoid a slippery sidewalk, some salt or kitty litter can help provide some needed grip.
Indoors, at home, is a more common place for someone to suffer a fall, simply based on how much time we spend there. As such, efforts for fall prevention are best concentrated here. Be proactive in looking for potential hazards, such as carpets or rugs that can bunch up or slide. Tidy up any and all clutter that’s on the floor, especially in well-traveled areas. Proper lighting should be available through the house—most importantly on the stairs—and consider installing grab bars in the bathroom for extra leverage.
If you don’t already own one, a cell phone can be a life-saving item should you suffer a fall and can’t reach a landline. Having a portable phone can also help prevent the need to rush to answer a ringing phone elsewhere in the house.
If you would like more advice on fall prevention, or need treatment for foot and ankle trauma suffered during a landing, we have you covered. Give us a call at (717) 757-3537 to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Hanover, Lancaster, Lititz and York.
