Preventing falls is important, especially for people at a high risk of falls. At Christie Clinic we take your safety seriously. We offer wheelchairs at all locations for patients and/or guests who need assistance getting to or from their appointment and our Champaign on University, Champaign on Windsor and The Fields locations have hosts for additional assistance as needed. Several of our locations have patient drop-off zones near the front entrance to reduce the distance a patient needs to walk to get to their appointment.
Here are some tips to help prevent falls in your daily lives:
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise, especially exercises that improve strength, balance, and flexibility, can help reduce the risk of falls. Exercise programs like Tai Chi, yoga, or gentle aerobics can be effective.
- Check your medications: Some medications can cause dizziness or lightheadedness and increase the risk of falls. Talk to your healthcare provider to review all of your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, to determine if they could be contributing to your fall risk.
- Use assistive devices: If you have difficulty with balance, using assistive devices like canes, walkers, or grab bars in your home can help reduce your risk of falls.
- Check your vision: Poor vision can increase the risk of falls. Make sure to have regular eye exams and update your eyeglasses if needed.
- Remove tripping hazards: Remove or secure loose rugs, electrical cords, and other tripping hazards in your home.
- Improve lighting: Make sure that all areas of your home are well lit, and consider adding night lights to hallways, bathrooms, and other areas that you may visit during the night.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and have non-slip soles to help prevent slips and falls.
- Use caution on wet or slippery surfaces: Avoid walking on wet or slippery surfaces when possible, and use extra caution when walking in areas that may be slippery, such as in the bathroom or kitchen.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause dizziness and increase the risk of falls. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
If you are at a high risk of falls, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your fall risk and develop a plan to prevent falls. By taking steps to reduce your fall risk, you can improve your overall health and well-being.