Walkers, Canes Raise Risk of Painful Fall

Seniors who use walkers or canes have a much greater risk of injury from falls than those who don't use them.

A survey of hospital emergency-room records offers some statistics:
--Injuries involving walkers accounted for 87 percent of falls. Canes accounted for 12 percent.
--Women had more injuries than men, and walkers were the worst culprits: 78 percent of women were injured in walker falls, versus 22 percent of the men.
--A third of those injured in a fall ended up being admitted to the hospital.
--Sixty percent of the falls happened at home, and there were five times more falls from tripping than from slipping.

Here are some steps to reduce the risk of a fall, even if you don't use a walker or a cane:
* Get your eyes checked at least once a year. As our vision changes, what once worked in our homes might be dangerous to us now.

* Don't let newspapers or books stack up by the reading chair. Keep things off the floor and keep paths cleared of anything you have to step around or over.

* Use double-sided tape to hold down scatter rugs. (Best bet: Get rid of them.)

* Increase the lighting in your home, and turn on a lamp at the wall switch by the door instead of walking into a dark room.

* Wear study shoes. Slippers can be slippery.

One big problem with falls is that the first one sets up a fear of falling again. That in turn may limit mobility and exercise, which in turn decreases our flexibility and strength -- which can cause even more falls.

The best bet, then, is to avoid that first fall. If you need help clearing out your space or making changes, ask for it.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.