“Fall Proof” Yourself in 4 Easy Steps
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 6, 2023
As we age a simple slip or stumble can turn serious fast.
Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults over 65.
They often result in broken bones, disability, and even death (yes, DEATH… more on that in a moment).
But you can SLASH your fall risk with a few simple steps.
Many folks are surprised to hear that taking a tumble can lead to death. But falls in folks over 65 led to a staggering 36,000 deaths in 2020 alone.
The fact is, a serious fall can kick off a vicious cycle. It typically goes something like this…
A broken bone leads to bed rest and pain meds. Those lead to muscle loss and unsteadiness on your feet. And shrinking muscle mass ad balance issues leave you frail, raising your risk for ANOTHER fall.
Plus, every fall presents another opportunity to hit your head. And the slower healing as we get older can turn any tumble into a disaster.
But getting older DOESN’T have to mean living in fear of falling. Because the right lifestyle tweaks can help you restore your strength, regain your balance, and reclaim your peace of mind.
- Start a good workout and balance program. You need to keep using your muscles and moving them in different ways to build and maintain your strength and balance. Try a group exercise program, a personalized program designed for you by a physical trainer or therapist, or check out free balance and strengthening videos for seniors on YouTube. Just keep moving (safely!).
- Get your eyesight and hearing checked every year. Our balance system is made up of three parts: vision, proprioception (being able to feel where your feet are), and the vestibular system (the inner ear). Make sure your glasses are up to date for your current prescription and that your hearing is corrected with aids if needed.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications. Some drugs can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up. Plus, it’s easy to end up taking more meds than you need, especially when you see multiple doctors. And taking multiple meds that reduce blood pressure driving it too low and raising your fall risk isn’t uncommon.
- Make sure your home is safe. Go through every room in your home and get rid of anything that could cause you to trip. Things like clutter, unstable furniture, cords on the floor, and throw rugs can all pose a fall risk. Also evaluate the lighting. Dim rooms or dark areas can cause you to lose your footing. And use nightlights for late night bathroom or kitchen trips. The better you can see the better your balance will be.
Don’t resign yourself to becoming frail and prone to falling. These simple achievable solutions can have you walking tall and steady for years to come.
P.S. Weird brain trick can SLASH your fall risk.
Source:
“Older Adult Fall Prevention,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc. gov
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...
Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)
Ever notice how your problems seem WORSE at 3 AM? It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Research reveals that your brain actually functions differently after midnight. In fact, what goes on during those dark hours could be sabotage your sleep and your decisions. But before you reach for a...
Normal Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks WITHOUT Drugs
High blood pressure affects millions of us. And these hypertension (high blood pressure) medications work, but they often come with unwanted side effects. However, we might have another option. A new study confirms that an often-overlooked root vegetable can help normalize blood pressure FAST… Research conducted by scientists at Queen Mary University of London revealed...
Spice Slashes Age-Related Vision Loss Risk
As you get older, the more likely you are to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In fact, one in seven people over 50 already have some evidence of this vision-robbing disease. That works out to about 1.5 million people. But you don’t have to be one of them. A small change you make starting today...
Four Medicine Cabinet Culprits Making You Fat
Picture this. You’re doing everything “right.” You’re trying to manage your weight by watching portion sizes, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. But the numbers on the scale won’t go down. Even worse, you realize they’ve been slowly CLIMBING. If this sounds familiar, the culprit could be hiding in your medicine cabinet. Keep reading to...
Why Age STEALS Your Sleep—And How to Take It Back
As we journey through life, we may find ourselves becoming unwilling members of the “tossing and turning” club. If you’ve noticed that restful nights are slipping further away with each passing year, you’re not alone. But why does this happen? Let’s shed some light on the causes of age-related sleep changes and explore how you...
Dodge Dementia with this Two Step Back-to-Basics Plan
You know the saying, “Everything old is new again,” right? Well, it turns out for dementia prevention, it’s spot on. In fact, new research supports two “old-school” solutions for protecting brain health. If you thought shielding yourself against dementia would be complicated, let me show you how simple it can be… When I counsel my...
Mailbag: Naturally Target Cholesterol
“I’m being treated for breast cancer. However, I was also recently diagnosed with atherosclerosis. My cholesterol is 249, and I was prescribed Lipitor. I’m on a plant-based diet and sometimes eat wild-caught salmon two to three times a week. What are the best natural ways to lower cholesterol?” -Naturally Cutting Cholesterol Hi Naturally, Your proactive...
Surprising Link Between Balance and Weight REVEALED
Think balance exercises are just for preventing falls? If so, think again. This often-overlooked aspect of fitness could also be the missing piece in your weight loss puzzle—especially as you age. Recent research suggests that improving your balance could be a game-changer for maintaining a healthy weight AND staying steady on your feet. And these...
These Common Kitchen Tools Could Triple Your Cancer Risk
Could you do me a favor? Take a look in your kitchen drawers. Do you spot any black plastic spatulas or spoons? If so, please keep reading… Because researchers have just discovered something about these common kitchen tools, you can’t afford to miss. They could literally be making you sick. Here’s why… A shocking study...