Category: Falls Prevention Awareness

Categories
blog Falls Prevention Awareness

Feeling Confident About Falls Prevention

Falls Prevention

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month. Many things can shake your confidence, but taking a tumble is one of them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of falling again doubles if you fall once. Knowing this possibility exists can prevent many senior citizens from moving around regularly and strengthening their bones and muscles. 

This fall, the doctors at New England Podiatry Associates want to help you feel confident about falls prevention. There are things you can do right at home to fall-proof your environment. While we can’t guarantee a fall, we can certainly help you reduce the risk of taking a tumble and experiencing serious injury. If you’re taking notes, keep reading along.

Here are three ways to take charge at home:

Clean up, clean up

A messy house is one more way to increase the risk of an accident. We’re talking about clutter that won’t allow for a clear walkway. Have you considered rearranging furniture to consider the mobility of an older loved one with whom you share a home? Ask how they feel about their living space and if any layouts are less welcoming.

Bring out the nightlights

No one really likes to walk in the dark. Even if you are familiar with a place, it always helps to have some guiding light as you take your steps. Think about hallways, bathrooms, and the kitchen at your home. If someone needed a glass of water at night, would they be able to find their way around without injury? Nightlights are wonderful solutions.

Remove the slippery rugs

Rugs can really add character to a room. They can increase the risk of a fall, too. If your rugs don’t have slip guards or other ways to make them less slippery, consider a design do-over. Slippery rugs can cause accidents that lead to injuries. Remove the rugs or make sure they can stay in place.

This fall, we’re here to help. If you or a loved one takes a fall, call a medical professional. Never delay seeking treatment or dismiss a bump or bruise.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

Categories
Falls Prevention Awareness

How To Prevent Accidental Falls

Did you know many falls are preventable? September is Falls Prevention Month, and the doctors at New England Podiatry Associates are raising awareness about reducing your risk. There are things you can do right at home to decrease the likelihood of a fall. Unfortunately, for older Americans, the results can severely impact independent living. 

Here are three steps for prevention:

1. Be proactive 

From staying on schedule with doctor’s visits to adding more calcium to your diet, there are ways to strengthen your defense against falls. 

  • Poor vision can increase your risk for a fall. Keep on track with optometry visits.
  • Weak bones can increase your risk of instability or experiencing an injury after an accident. Switch your diet to strengthen your bones.

2. Be responsive 

If you have experienced balance issues or suddenly feel less confident while walking, schedule an appointment with your doctor. 

  • Newly prescribed medications can come with new side effects. It’s okay to ask questions. 
  • Foot pain contributes to mobility issues. Talk to a podiatrist.

3. Be open

Has your doctor recommended using a cane? Here’s our advice: Be open. 

  • As doctors, we are here to provide the best medical advice. We’re also happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. 
  • Ultimately, we want you to know and trust that our recommendations are in your best interest. Using a cane may be one of the best ways to prevent a fall. 

If you are experiencing new symptoms, please know that you are not alone, and we’re here to help.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Michael Hass, Dr. Alan Green, Dr. Stephen Tubridy, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

Categories
blog Falls Prevention Awareness

Protecting Feet and Ankles This Winter

Winter is here, and accidents may happen when the snow falls or when ice forms on sidewalks. The doctors at New England Podiatry Associates see common injuries that are frequent during the winter, and we’re here to help you stay safe. Here are three suggestions for avoiding ankle sprains, ankle fractures, bumps, and bruises.

Look down first

One of the easiest ways patients can prevent winter injuries is to watch where they’re walking. It sounds simple, but it can be the difference between a slip and a save. Following snowfall or low overnight temperatures, surfaces may be slippery. While you can see snow-covered patches of ice, there are also icy spots that aren’t as simple to detect. Before walking around, consider anti-icing techniques to lower your risk of a fall.

Choose the right footwear

Wear the right shoes for the weather for two reasons: protect your feet from cold, wet conditions and allow proper traction to help you navigate slippery surfaces. We recommend supportive shoes without worn soles. Choose the right style and size, and avoid wearing high heels or fashion boots with little to no traction.

Be a great neighbor

Do you have a senior neighbor? Help them clean off their sidewalk or driveway. Americans over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of falling. These falls can be life-threatening or severely limit future mobility. When the temperatures dip or snowflakes call, reach out to your neighbors, especially senior citizens. 

Winter is still here, so we encourage our patients to stay watchful with each step. At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Michael Hass, Dr. Alan Green, Dr. Stephen Tubridy, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, and Dr. Catherine Jacobs treat a variety of conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

Categories
blog Falls Prevention Awareness

Falls Prevention Awareness Month

falls prevention awareness, handrail

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month. For Americans over the age of 65, a fall is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. This month, the doctors at New England Podiatry Associates want to share ways to help our seniors prevent falls and avoid injuries like broken bones.

Start the conversation today by talking with an older loved one and asking these questions:

When was the last time you had your vision checked?

Visits to the optometrist are about more than getting new frames. Regular visits can alert patients to make lifestyle changes as they adjust to their aging eyes. For older Americans, less light reaches the retina. It makes it more difficult to see tripping hazards.

Do you know the side effects of your medication?

Medication can sometimes have side effects, and older Americans may have a few daily prescriptions. From dizziness to dehydration, all of these symptoms can increase the risk of a fall. Additional side effects can also occur when one medication interacts with another.

Have you fallen before?

Some older loved ones may have fallen before, but they were ashamed to share with their family members. If someone has fallen before, they might fall again. Encourage your family member to schedule an appointment with their physician to learn what caused the fall. Conditions like neuropathy also make it dangerous for patients with diabetes; they may not know if they’ve been injured.

How can I help you at home?

Many older Americans have lived in the same home for decades. While they don’t have to move, they may need to make some changes. It includes adding handrails or increasing lighting in hallways and bathrooms. Ask them how you can help with home improvements or other simple tasks around the house.

Showing care and concern is the first step to supporting older loved ones. We’re here to help with any questions you may have about mobility or foot or ankle injuries. Call us at 617-232-1752 to make an appointment. Our Newton-Wellesley office location is open with limited hours. Our Chestnut Hill office is open during regular business hours. We are still offering a telemedicine option.