Viva Vitality: Let’s change how we think about falls prevention

By ANN PUDWELL on December 3, 2021.

Falls are the number one cause of injury hospitalizations, emergency department visits and disabilities in children and they are also the number one reason for injury-related death, hospitalization and emergency department visits for older adults in Canada.

After a fall, many people are unable to live the way they want to. They may lose their independence or live in fear of falling again. But contrary to what some people believe – falls are not a natural part of getting older (Finding Balance Alberta).

There is no doubt that falling is a serious injury issue throughout the course of one’s life. A fall can leave you in a state of chronic pain, decreased mobility and lead to major lifestyle changes. This information is not new, and the statistics are not really changing. How many people can honestly say that they have never had a fall?

Even if you don’t injure yourself in a fall, it can be a very scary experience. After you pick up the pieces, and scan your body for areas of pain or discomfort, the thinking starts. Why did I fall? What happened – did I trip? Wow, that could have been so much worse. I am so glad no one saw that! That was scary; I could have cut my head on that corner.

How many close calls does it take for a person to change how they think about falls prevention? How do we include a plan to age without preventable injury? I do practice other injury prevention strategies, I do wear a seat belt in the car and a helmet when out riding my bike. I was wearing my reading glasses, and missed the top of the stairs. Note to selfâ€¦ Go and get your eyes checked and update your prescription. Follow you own advice!

I would like to propose a shift in the way we think about injury. What if we considered injury prevention related to falls as being similar to disease? We lower our cholesterol to be heart smart, we watch our weight to reduce our chance of developing diabetes. We remain active for a whole host of health reasons: cardio health, mental health, and even cancer prevention.

It has been identified that COVID restrictions have led to folks being more sedentary, and muscles weaken when they’re not being used as much. Increased isolation is a factor in mental health, contributing to increased levels of depression. Lots of discussion takes place around what Netflix series is hot at the moment, and that extra roll that showed up thanks to COVID. What better time to use all the health messaging we have to plan so our next phase of life is injury free. Let’s have our cake and eat it too!

Let’s take the practice of mindfulness – a practice of being present in the moment and not worrying about things that aren’t happening at the moment. Mindfulness involves taking time to breathe and focus. It’s a great tool for your mental health and stress-reduction, and it’s a great way to avoid a preventable fall! When we are living in the present moment, we are far less likely to fall than when we are preoccupied thinking about other things.

A falls prevention message in Alberta would not be complete without some tips for winter safety. Watch out for ice! Black ice can be especially dangerous and very hard to see. Wear proper winter footwear with good traction and avoid a slip in the first place. For more information visit Alberta Health Services at: http://www.penguinwalk.ca

Join The Adult Wellness Coalition with a Focus on Falls Prevention and join in on the Stay Well While Preventing Falls Bingo Challenge to help promote Falls Prevention Month.

Adults and older adults across Alberta can play for their chance to win an Amazon gift card.

The Bingo focuses on fall prevention activities, incorporating movement, keeping active, and general wellness.

Who can enter? Anyone over the age of 18 who resides in Alberta. Enter by Dec. 12, 2021 for your chance to win! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eMRdBYviO4wzE5zky9dUTCFPyaU3sez8/view?usp=sharing

For more information on falls prevention please visit the Finding Balance Alberta website. Download the Keeping Well booklet and try using the daily checklist. Visit Parachute Canada’s website – their mission is to create a safer Canada by preventing serious and fatal injuries.

Ann Pudswell is health promotion facilitator, injury prevention with Alberta Health Services