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Boot Up: Fall Prevention Tips for the Winter Months

 

Stay safe during "boot season" choosing the footwear. “The most important characteristics of a good boot are proper fit, support, and tread,” says Claire Capobianco, DPM, board certified podiatrist and surgeon with Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware.

Ill-fitting boots can cause blisters, ulcers, or worse. Making sure your boots meet all three criteria will decrease your risk of slipping on ice or soft ground—though Dr. Capobianco still encourages those who are at risk for a fall to use common sense and avoid icy areas.

Something else to look for in a pair of boots is a water-resistant exterior. For added warmth, look for boots with insulated lining. Classic snow boots never go out of style and are great for keeping feet warm and dry, especially if they have rubberized soles with good traction.

 

Quiz: Don't Fall For It!

Falling is the number one cause of injuries in seniors, with over 2.5 million seniors visiting the emergency room each year due to fall-related injuries. However, with so many ways to prevent falling, there’s no need to live in fear. Do you have the know-how to make your home safe and reduce your risk of falls? Answer these true or false questions, then check your answers below to find out.

  1. It’s just as safe to use a towel bar to get in and out of the shower as it is to use a grab bar.
  2. Loose throw rugs are not a leading cause for falls.
  3. A night light or flash light can prevent falls at night when you get out of bed to go to the bathroom.
  4. When carrying groceries up your steps, you should always keep one hand free so you can hold the railing.
  5. When purchasing a new bed, you should buy an extra thick mattress so your feet don’t touch the floor.
  6. You’re better off wearing sturdy, nonslip shoes in your house than slippers, flip flops, or stocking feet.
  7. When purchasing a new recliner, you should avoid a rocking swivel chair.
  8. If you’re concerned about falling, or if you take a small tumble, you shouldn’t feel embarrassed talking to your family or doctor about it.

ANSWER KEY: 1. FALSE, 2. FALSE, 3. TRUE, 4. TRUE, 5. FALSE, 6. TRUE, 7. TRUE, 8. TRUE

This article was originally published in the Winter 2018 issue of Beacon.