Fall Prevention, part 1

In this podcast, Shawn focuses on how to prevent falls. Fall prevention can be broken down into intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Extrinsic, or environmental, factors involve furniture placement, bed height, seat heights, lighting, rugs, power cords, general clutter in pathways, and so forth. Also, the potential tripping hazards of footwear and clothing. Do you notice whether you or your loved ones have started holding furniture for support while walking? Before winter is a good time to check porches and steps, and consider whether handrails are needed. Intrinsic factors includes medical diagnoses and conditions like COPD, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, pneumonia, or COVID, which can affect a person's movements and fall risk. Also, some medications can affect movement.