(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Fall prevention month

Tips from Melfort Ambulance on how to avoid falls during Fall Prevention Month

Nov 15, 2019 | 11:12 AM

November is Fall Prevention Month, and Melfort Ambulance has some tips on how to avoid falling both inside and outside the home.

Manager Wayne Therres told northeastNOW elderly people are more likely to fall, and many of those falls are of a life-changing nature, eventually forcing a move from a house to an apartment building, assisted living facility, or long-term care.

Therres said it’s a good idea to wear supportive, non-slip footwear even inside the home, as a way to avoid slipping on surfaces like vinyl or hardwood.

You can help take action at home, said Therres, by removing clutter, using stair handrails, having adequate lighting, and removing scatter rugs which can be a trip hazard.

The warm weather in the forecast is welcomed by most people in the region. However, the expected melting conditions will re-freeze, which can lead to slippery sections outside your home.

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“We want to make sure we keep our sidewalks clean, keep our stairs clean so that it’s easy to get in and out,” Therres said. “Make sure your driveway is cleaned up, shoes are knocked off as you go in and out of your house because the snow will stick to the bottom of your boots and then you step on your vinyl or hardwood floor and go for a slide.”

It’s not uncommon for people who have a slip-and-fall and hit their head on the ground, with the effects only being noticed well after the incident.

Therres said it’s important to ask questions and be honest when it comes to slip-and-falls. If you are someone that has had a heart attack or stroke, and are on anti-coagulants, Therres said bleeds can happen secondary to falls.

“If you’ve had a fall and you’re worried about it, follow up with your family physician,” Therres said. “If you can’t move afterwards and you have an inability to get up or just trouble getting up, we’re here to help. Make that call to 9-1-1 and we’ll get you up and get you checked out.”

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974