April is Falls Prevention Month, in this piece we highlight the importance of exercise and wellness overall to help prevent falls.

According to the NSW Fall Prevention & Healthy Ageing Network 30% of Australians over 65 will experience at least one fall each year. If you or a loved one have fallen more than once in 6 months, there is a greater likelihood of further falls!
So, how do you prevent a fall? Why is it important to talk with your doctor if you do fall? And what are some risk factors to look out for?

First things first - do you know what a fall is? It sounds like a simple question but there is a specific definition that health professionals use. This is provided by the World Health Organisation - "A fall is an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level."

The good news is that most falls are preventable and injuries can be minimised. One of the best methods to reduce your risk is to exercise! This can be any physical activity that gets your heart pumping slightly faster and your breathing a bit heavier. Though it does not need to be too strenuous; you should still be able to talk whilst doing the activity. Whether it be going for a brisk walk, dancing, taking a balance or strong bones class, Tai Chi, or another form of exercise; it is about getting your body moving and being physically active every day, or at least for 30 minutes, 5 times a week, to ensure you don't lose your balance.

Many people dismiss falls as a part of getting older or that they just weren't concentrating. While this can be true, falling can often be a warning sign that something may not be right with your body. This is worth discussing with a healthcare professional such as your doctor, who can refer you to a physiotherapist or other allied health practitioner to provide you with strategies such as exercises that can help.

There are also some personal and environmental risk factors that you should be aware of.
Personal risk factors can include:

• Low blood pressure
• Arthritis
• Dementia
• Incontinence issues
• Diabetes
• Having had surgery recently

Environmental factors are things external such as:

• Any tripping hazards in your home or garden e.g. rugs, electrical cords, uneven ground
• Poor lighting, especially at night
• Unsafe footwear such as loose slippers or narrow heels
• Wet floors espeically in the kitchen, bathroom and toilet areas

For more information about preventing falls including extra tips this Health & Aged Care Department publication is an excellent resource.

If you would like to look into Balance or Strong Bones classes with BallyCara click here.