Take Our Quiz Are You at Risk of Falling?

Backgrounder

December 14, 2006

TAKE OUR QUIZ ARE YOU AT RISK OF FALLING?

One in three seniors age 65 and older will experience a fall in their lifetime. Almost 45 per cent will sustain a serious injury as a result of their fall. However, the good news is that most falls are preventable. To prevent a fall and protect your independence, start by assessing your risk and get the facts about healthy lifestyle choices. Remember, falls prevention starts with you!

Section A

Yes

Have you fallen, slipped, or tripped more than usual in the past year?

Do you ever feel dizzy, light-headed, or unsteady?

Do you have weak muscles (i.e. do you need to use armrests to
get up from the chair?), stiff joints, or foot problems?

Do you take pills to help you sleep and/or remain calm?

Do you drink alcoholic beverages with any medications?

Has it been more than one year since your last eye check-up?

Has it been more than one year since your last hearing test?

Have you recently felt a decline in your health?

Have your daily activities decreased recently?

10.

Do you do less than 30 minutes of physical activity most days
of the week?

11.

Do you regularly skip meals?

12.

Do you regularly skip meals?

13.

Are you afraid of falling?

Section B

Yes

Do you frequently rush or try to do too many things at one time?

Does your home have scatter mats, loose cords and clutter?

Do you take unnecessary risks such as climbing or reaching?

If you have answered yes to any question in Section A, you should discuss falls prevention with your health care providers. If you have answered yes to any question in section B, review the booklet “A Guide to Preventing Falls”.

Supported by the Government of Ontario.
Adapted with permission from Stay On Your Feet.

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Contact:
David Oved , Minister’s Office, (416) 314-1400
Donna Piasentini, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7242

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TAKE OUR QUIZ ARE YOU AT RISK OF FALLING?