Even if it is only from a standing height, falling can be dangerous.The severity of those injuries can vary depending on your age, health and fitness levels.There are a few techniques that anyone can use to help reduce the impact if they fall.
Step 1: Protect your head.
Your head is the most important part of your body to protect in a fall.It can be very serious if you get a head injury.Make sure to protect your head when you fall.Lower your head by Tucking your chin down.Turn your head to the side if you fall.For more protection, bring your arms up to head level.If you're falling backwards or forwards, put them in front of your head.If you take blood thinners and fall and hit your head, you may have a life threatening bleed inside your skull.Call your doctor to find out if you need to go to the hospital.
Step 2: As you fall, turn.
Try to turn your body so you land on your side if you fall straight forward or backwards.A serious injury can be caused by falling on your back.Damage to the head, face and arms can be caused by a frontal fall.You can reduce the chance of injury by landing on your side.
Step 3: Keep arms and legs straight.
As you fall with your arms, it may be tempting to try to catch yourself.You can hurt yourself if you land with your arms straight out and absorb the full force of the fall.Try to keep your arms and legs straight as you fall.You can break your wrists and arms if you land fully on your arms.
Step 4: Stay loose.
It is possible to increase the chances of sustaining an injury if you are tensing up during a fall.The absorption of force from the fall won't be possible because of the tension in your body.Instead of spreading the impact out over a flexible body, the parts that were taught are more likely to break.As you fall, try to breathe out to keep your body calm.
Step 5: Roll out of the way.
Roll into it is a good technique to reduce the force of a fall.The energy of the fall is sent into the roll, instead of being absorbed by the body.Since falling and rolling is difficult, you may want to practice at a gym or somewhere with padded floors.Start in a squatting position.Put your palms on the ground in front of you.If you want to move your weight forwards, push off the ground with your legs.Your legs are going over your head.Try to land on a shoulder with your back rounded.You can back up onto your feet if you let the momentum carry you.
Step 6: The force of the fall should be spread out.
Spreading out the force of the impact over a large area of your body is a big part of falling safely.Most of the damage will be taken by falling on a single point.Spreading out the impact reduces the chance of serious injury to a single part of the body.
Step 7: Proper footwear is worn.
You will want to wear slip-resistant shoes if you work or walk in an environment that is prone to slipping.Even if the surface is slick or wet, these shoes are designed to prevent falls.Most footwear of this type will be labeled as slip resistant.
Step 8: When you walk, pay attention.
Pay attention to the speed at which you walk and where you step.The quicker you walk or run, the more likely you are to fall.You can lower the chances of falling by slowing down and being aware of the environment.If the ground is not even, be careful walking or running.Don't forget to use the hand rail when taking the stairs.
Step 9: Proper safety equipment can be used.
When using a ladder or similar device, always practice proper safety.Make sure you read the instructions in the operation manual before using the device.To make sure the ladder or step stool is in good working order, always check it.Do not ride on a vehicle that is unsafe.It's a good idea to enter or mount a vehicle slowly.
Step 10: A safe environment is created.
Whether at work or at home, take a few steps to create a safe environment.It is possible to reduce your chances of falling by making rooms and spaces safer.After you are done with the drawers, always close them.Do not leave cords or wires in walkways.Keep the area well lit.Walk slowly over dangerous areas.If you live in a place with steep stairs, consider moving.Make sure you have a handrail or a banister.Consider installing a grab bar in the tub if you use non-slip bath mats.Use double-sided tape or remove small throw rugs to make sure they don't flip up.
Step 11: Strength and balance can be improved by exercising.
Your chance of falling is increased if you have weak legs and muscles.Tai Chi can improve strength and balance.
Step 12: You should be aware of the medications that affect your balance.
It's possible that some medications could cause you to fall.It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your medication interactions.She may be able to prescribe something else.