Pearls of Prevention

Last week, my husband and I were at our cabin. We were getting ready to leave, and I was walking down the wooden staircase. The next thing I know, I am lying on the floor at the bottom of the staircase. My husband came running over as I lay in a heap. He was asking me if I was all right. At that moment, I was not quite sure. Before I attempted to get up, I did a quick physical check: Can I move everything? Am I bleeding? Did anything hurt? Luckily, outside of a little bruise, I was fine.

Did you know that falls are one of the leading causes of injury in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties? Also, in Wisconsin, adults ages 65 and older account for the most injuries due to unintentional falls. So if this would happen to you, a few things to remember. If you fall at home, stay quiet for a moment, do not panic. Take a few minutes to gather your thoughts. Then decide whether or not to try to get up.

If you decide to get up, use strong stable furniture for support as you try to get up. Take time to recover from the fall after you get up. Tell someone that you had a fall. And most importantly, get medical help if necessary.

If you cannot get up, or if you decide not to try, slide or crawl to get help if you can. If you cannot crawl for help, shout or bang something. Use your phone or Lifeline to get help, if available. Tell someone you have fallen and need help. After calling for help, lie quietly until help arrives. Keep warm and be as comfortable as you can. Again, most importantly, get medical help if necessary

I am still not real sure why I fell. I had on sneakers, the dogs were outside, and it was daylight. I guess I am really just a klutz!