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Seniors Can Beat Injury This Winter
What many people regard as
a winter wonderland can be a minefield of safety hazards for
older adults, with snow and ice a major cause of debilitating
falls. Cold weather, lack of exercise and isolation can take
their toll, too.
To help seniors stay safe this winter, experts at the University
of Indianapolis offer up these tips:
- Put your best foot forward. Wear appropriate
footwear with good traction when outdoors.
- Clear the way. Spread road salt, sand or
kitty litter on sidewalks and driveways.
- Don't do too much. If public sidewalks
haven't been cleared, ask friends or neighbors for help with
grocery shopping and other errands. Find someone else to handle
snow shoveling and other strenuous and potentially dangerous
outdoor chores.
- Exercise indoors. This could mean walking
in place, riding a stationary bicycle or working out with a
fitness video. Daily stretching exercises help maintain flexibility.
Before you start any exercise program, consult with your doctor.
- Dress for the weather. Cold temperatures
are a serious threat to seniors, especially those with dementia
or Alzheimer's disease. Inadequate warm clothing can result
in frostbite and hypothermia.
- Stay warm inside. Keep houses heated to
above 65 degrees F and dress in layers to maintain body heat.
Individuals who have difficulty paying the heating bill should
contact their heating supplier for ways to continue service
through the winter.
- Watch out for a silent killer. If you have
a fireplace, gas furnace or gas-powered heater, install carbon
monoxide detectors in your home.
- Stay in touch. Make an effort to socialize
with family, friends and neighbors. Depression is more common
in the winter and bad weather can mean social isolation for
older adults. If you can't visit in person, have a telephone
chat.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more winter
safety tips .
SOURCE: University of Indianapolis, news release, December
2005
Reference
Source 62
January
1,
2006
For more information on how to prevent other diseases, use
PreventDisease.com's "Quick
Prevention Resources".
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