Falls become a risk as we age due to loose carpet, clutter or balance issues. The fact that you may have fallen once means you have a high risk of falling again.
If you fall – don’t panic. All your energy and adrenaline will be required to assist your brain and neuromuscular system to respond to getting up. Steps to follow are:
- Do not get up too quickly
- Locate something sturdy such as a solid piece of furniture
- Roll onto our side
- Push your upper body up
- Lift your head, pause, and steady yourself
- Rise slowly onto your hands and knees
- Crawl to the sturdy furniture you identified to hold on to
- Slide one foot forward so it is flat on the floor
- Keep the other leg bent with your knee on the floor
- Rise slowly and turn your body to sit in the chair
Take your time before doing anything else. Call a loved one or friend to come and be with you while you compose yourself. Take a look at why you fell and try to rectify the situation to avoid future falls.