WITH ICE AND SNOW COMES A
GREATER RISK OF FALLS. LEARN
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BODY
FROM FALL-RELATED INJURIES.
SLIPPING, TRIPPING, OR FALLING can cause injury, disability, or death.
Luckily, a few simple steps can decrease your chances of falling.
Physical fitness reduces falls. Regular exercise helps maintain
muscle and bone strength while aging. Tai chi, yoga, and weight-
bearing exercises in particular can help prevent falls.
Stay safe and dry. Wet winter conditions can track inside the
home. Place mats near doorways for convenience.
Wear safely, walk safely. Wear shoes with rubber soles inside
and boots with special snow treads outside. Walking canes should
feature a wide rubber tip or a special icepick cane attachment.
Stay attentive. Being aware of problem spots, such as icy patches
or slippery sidewalks, can go a long way in preventing falls.
SCREENING IS PREVENTION
A risk screening can be another way to protect yourself from a fall. KishHealth
System Physical Therapy Centers offer fall risk screenings to help identify and
reduce contributing factors.
"We screen patients to look at their general flexibility, strength, and sense
of where they are in space," says Jeannine Knickerbocker, PT, DPT, physical
therapy supervisor at KishHealth System Physical Therapy Center, Sandwich.
"This free service is offered year-round and does not require a prescription
or referral."
The screening can reveal if you are likely to benefit from physical therapy.
KishHealth Physical Therapy Centers will work with your primary care
physician to design a program to help keep you safe from falls.
"Falls can result in significant, permanent physical changes," says
Knickerbocker. "Learning a few simple exercises can go a long way toward
preventing them."
WINTER WEATHER
FALL RISKS
To schedule a fall risk screening
with KishHealth System
Physical Therapy Centers, call
815.786.8550.
Your Pre-hospital Checklist
Preventing Falls
Free/Registration Required
KISHHEALTH SYSTEM PHYSICAL THERAPY
CENTER, SYCAMORE – 815.768.1861
Feb. 3, Noon - 1 pm
Turn to center spread for more
information.
KISHPROGRAMS.ORG
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