THE ESSENTIAL
- Certain treatments can also have an impact on balance.
- Health insurance recommends that the elderly maintain gentle physical activity to limit muscle wasting, a risk factor for falls.
Ice, snow, sidewalks made slippery by rain: in winter, a fall can occur quickly. For the most fragile, this represents a real danger. As reminded by Ministry of Healththem chutes elderly people cause more than 100,000 hospitalizations and more than 10,000 deaths each year in France. To limit the risks, it is important to take a few precautions. Kariline Bringean orthopedic surgeon from the Mayo Clinic in the United States, gives some tips for keeping the balance.
Falls: what disturbs our balance?
“Many parts of your body play a key role in your balance, explains this specialist. Your muscles, bones, joints, eyes, inner ear, nerves, heart, and blood vessels must function normally for you to have normal balance. When these systems aren’t working well, you may have balance problems.” But sometimes it is external factors that cause loss of balance, such as winter conditions. Falls on ice and snow can lead to injuries such as fractures arms, legs and hips, serious back injuries and concussions.
How to maintain your balance to reduce the risk of falling?
“Your arms are one of your best tools for maintaining balance, especially in icy conditions. asserts Kariline Bringe. It’s a simple thing, but wear your gloves outside (…). And keep your hands out of your pockets.” When we have the bras on each side of the body, it is easier to stay balanced. In the same logic, it is more prudent to have a backpack or shoulder bag, rather than a handbag, to keep your hands free.
If you know there is a risk of black ice, so you have to be careful in your movements. All wet areas on sidewalks should be considered potentially icy areas. The orthopedic surgeon advises walking slowly, with small steps, a bit like a penguin. “Point your feet slightly outward to maintain your center of balanceshe says. Place your center of gravity directly above your feet whenever possible.”
She also recommends equipping yourself properly, with well-laced, non-slip shoes. If possible, you can hang on to the handrails on your way, or equip yourself with a walking stick. When you get inside, it’s best to wipe your feet well so you don’t slip. Above all, you have to remain vigilant and not do several things at the same time, such as sending texts while walking, for example.
How to react in the event of a fall?
“If you fall, first make sure you are not hurt”, warns Kariline Bringe. Then, she recommends getting up slowly, using your hands and knees, and putting your feet one after the other on the ground. “Even though the chute seems to you without consequences in the immediate future, remain vigilant, alert theHealth Insurance. Indeed, symptoms may appear afterwards (pain, discomfort, swelling of a joint, hematoma, etc.) In this case, consult your doctor..”