Falls Prevention Awareness: Distraction and a Sudden Stop

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is September 21-25, 2020.  The South Dakota Falls Prevention Coalition has developed a Falls Prevention Toolkit to increase awareness of the risks of falls and promote practical steps to reduce those risks.

The National Council of Aging also has a variety of resources including the interactive Falls Free Checkup, which provide a risk score and resources based on responses to 12 simple questions. 

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Distraction and a Sudden Stop: Joanne Flack’s Fall Story
Download the Word Version of Joanne Flack’s Fall Story

The fall doesn’t hurt you. It’s that sudden stop that does us all in. About ten months ago, I took a good one. I needed to get up and move for something and I wasn’t paying attention. Having the emergency medical technician pick me up off the floor was pretty embarrassing. I’d cracked my head, but otherwise was fine. My blood pressure was a little high, but I didn’t go to the hospital to be checked out.

Just prior to my fall, I had my regular doctor make an appointment with a surgeon to put in a new knee. Unfortunately, my bones are too thin and surgery didn’t and isn’t going to happen. I left that office visit disappointed; they told me to ‘take it easy and slowly build my strength back up.’ They gave me a shot in the knee to provide cushion for about six months.

Because of my fall, I learned a few things: Make sure my feet are flat on the floor before attempting to stand. Once upright, pause to get my balance. Don’t be ashamed if I need help. Learn to use my walker. Having a walker fitted for me was very important to maintain my posture. Sitting too much caused broken skin on my bottom, which is very painful. The insurance will pay for physical therapy to come to me when I couldn’t get to them. I kept moving, even if it was only one step more per hour or two. I kept moving so my muscles wouldn’t get lazy. When I could move without pain, I felt great about that accomplishment. I realized moving and walking was the best thing I could do.

I’ve recently learned I can use my walker with a seat to do my grocery shopping. I set the small basket on the seat. It feels so good to be on my feet in the grocery store. I am driving again. I like being able to go when I want and not when someone else is free to take me. Following the doctor’s order to take it easy, being patient and doing lots of walking has helped me regain my strength and given me back the feeling of independence that I don’t want to give up.