5 steps to prevent falls
At home: Bring on the light
w
Make sure every room has a lamp you can turn on by
using a wall switch as you enter.
w
On each staircase, place fluorescent tape along the
edges of the top and bottom steps.
w
Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries near your bed.
And away: Watch your step
w
Check curb heights before crossing streets. Even a
cutaway curb could cause a stumble.
w
In public buildings, walk slowly on slippery marble. Stay
on plastic or carpet runners whenever possible—and
step carefully over the edges.
Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization
among older adults—and not just in the winter. Call
the Aspirus Information Center at
715.847.2380
or
800.847.4707
to register for Call About Falls, a free phone-
based program that can help you learn how to lessen your
risk or your loved one’s risk of falling down.
Source: National Institutes of Health
YOU
take steps to protect your home and car during the
winter. It makes sense to do the same for your health. Here are
five ways to stay healthy and safe when temperatures drop:
1
Get a flu shot.
You need
a flu vaccination every year
because the predominant viruses
change annually. Vaccination is
recommended for everyone age
6 months and older.
2
Wash your hands
. Frequent
handwashing helps remove germs
that cause colds and flu. Use warm water and soap. Scrub your
hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
3
Dress warmly.
Wear several thin layers of clothing. Air
trapped between layers helps keep you warm—inside or outside
your home.
When outside, wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves,
and a hat. If breathing cold air bothers you, wear a scarf to cover
your nose and mouth.
4
Protect your skin.
To help prevent dry, itchy skin, use
a moisturizer. Before going outside, apply broad-spectrum
sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. (Yes,
you still need to wear sunscreen even in the winter.)
5
Prevent falls.
If you have the bone-thinning disease
osteoporosis, falls are especially dangerous. To reduce your
risk, make sure your footwear has good traction. Use handrails
on stairs, and don’t try to walk on snow or ice. Ask your
doctor whether any medication you take might affect your
balance.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Stay well
this winter
THROUGH RAIN, SHINE, SLEET OR SNOW
Whatever the weather, we’re here for you. Go online to
or call the Aspirus Information Center
at
715.847.2380
or
800.847.4707
to find an Aspirus
provider to help with whatever ails you this winter.
Watch your step on the
ice this winter—and
watch out for your
health with these tips.
14
aspire
Winter 2014
