ASK DOCTOR K: Remove any hazards to prevent falling at home

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have osteoporosis, so my bones are going to break more easily. My doctor told me I should therefore try to avoid falls, but he didn’t say how. Any ideas?

DEAR READER: A tumble can send a person with osteoporosis down the road to disability. Many factors can increase your risk for falls. Some have to do with your physical condition; others come from the environment. There is much you can do to reduce both types of risks.

I’ve put some questions for you to ask yourself on my website, AskDoctorK.com. They can help you get a general sense of your risk of falling.

If your risk is high, consider strength and balance training. Focus on exercises that use the muscle groups required for the things you do in real life – getting out of a chair, climbing stairs or reaching a high shelf, for example.

Activities like yoga and tai chi improve balance and coordination as well as core strength. There is some evidence that they may help to prevent falls. Many of the movements done in these activities – lunging, stepping, turning and reaching – are similar to the movements we need to remain independent.

You can also take steps to decrease the impact of health-related issues on your risk of falls:

Pain. Chronic pain can hamper your mobility, throw you off balance, or make it difficult to maintain your balance. Talk to your doctor about pain medications that won’t increase your risk of falls.

Poor vision. Have an annual vision exam, and discuss your concerns about falling with your eye doctor.

Foot problems. See a foot specialist if you have foot pain. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid high heels. And if you have neuropathy, use a walking stick.

Medication side effects. Many drugs increase the risk of falling. Review all of your medications with your doctor.

The average home is full of hazards. And as we age, we often develop physical problems. You can work on both fronts. You can improve your physical limitations, and you can remove and replace many of the hazards.