Osteoporosis Tips That Could Change Your Life

Take Precautions Against Falls

Falling is a major health risk for individuals over sixty-five years old, and the risk increases with each subsequent decade. Furthermore, if an individual has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, the chances of them breaking a bone rise significantly. Thankfully, careful planning can guard against falling at home, where about fifty percent of falls occur.

Maintaining good lighting in the home is important. Individuals should not attempt to walk through a dark room at night. Instead, they should turn on lights as they go, and keep a flashlight with extra batteries on their bedside table. They can also secure area rugs with adhesive. Small throw rugs present an extra risk of falling and probably should be removed from the home. It's also important to unclutter stairs and hallways of loose items like shoes, toys, baskets, books, or vases. Individuals should also install handrails on stairs and be sure to use them. Additionally, they can store items used most often in low places to avoid the risk of falling due to climbing on ladders. They may also wish to wear shoes with rubber soles to prevent falling on wet, slippery surfaces.

Read more about the best advice for managing osteoporosis with medication next.