Trauma and Injury Prevention

Risk Factors Include:

• Lower body weakness - any weakness you feel in your legs, ankles or feet can make it harder to stand, walk, or balance
• Vitamin D deficiency - can affect bone health and energy levels. Your doctor can check to make sure your Vitamin D levels are healthy
• Use of certain types of medication - Medications such as tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines, and antidepressants can make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Some over-the-counter medications may also affect your balance. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you figure out if any of your medications increase your risk for falling.
• Vision problems - get your eyes checked regularly and make sure your glasses prescription is accurate
• Foot pain and improper footwear - shoes that are too tight or too loose can make it difficult to walk
• Home hazards - general clutter and improper lighting can put you at a higher risk for falling

Ways to Avoid and Prevent Falls:

Falls are preventable!

View the checklist below for tips to keep you safe:

• Fall Prevention Checklist (English)
• Fall Prevention Checklist (Spanish)

Find a falls prevention or Active Senior class in the Greater Dallas Area:

• Medical City Senior Health
• YMCA Senior Fitness

How to Fall Safely:

There are ways you can fall to avoid injury.

If you feel yourself falling:

1. Try to let your body go limp.
2. Keep your knees, wrists, and elbows loose and bent. Do not try to break your fall by landing on your hands and knees.
3. Tuck in your chin and throw your arms up around your ears to protect your head.

If you have fallen, follow these tips:

1. Stay calm.
2. Take a few deep breaths.
3. Remain still.
4. Check if you are hurt before you start to move.

If you think you can get up safely:

1. Move slowly towards a sturdy chair or piece of furniture that you can use to pull yourself up.
2. Pause if you feel dizzy.
3. Call your health care provider or emergency contact.

If you cannot get up on your own, call 911 or yell out loud for help.

If you or a loved one is at risk of falling, consider getting an emergency alert system.

• For information on the types of alert systems and how to find the right one for you, click here.

To learn more about Older Adult Falls, click here.

Older Adult Programs and Services:

• DCHHS Older Adult Services Program
• Dallas County Senior Center(s) near you.
• Parkland Senior Health Services
• Click here for information on how to get help with the following:
  • your finances,
  • Medicare benefits, or
  • other support