Istanbul Gelisim University - Attention to falls in winter

Attention to falls in winter

Stating that the health problems due to falls will increase with the upcoming winter months, Physiotherapist Gülşah Konakoğlu said: “It is very important to know safe walking techniques to prevent possible falls and safe fall techniques to prevent possible problems after falling.”

Falls can result in a variety of consequences, from simple remedial health problems to vital risks. However, it has an important place among health expenditures. Stating that health problems due to falls will increase with the upcoming winter months, Physiotherapist Lect. Gülşah Konakoğlu at Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) the School of Health Sciences the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation warn about important issues.

“WALK SLOWLY WITH SMALL STEPS”

Giving information about safe walking techniques, Physiotherapist Gülşah Konakoğlu said: “For example, in order to walk without falling in the snow, it is important to walk slowly and carefully without lifting the feet too much, without rushing, taking very big steps. It is necessary to walk without using stairs and slopes, stepping on iced floors as much as possible. First of all, I recommend everyone to buy anti-slip shoe snow chains that can be easily attached and removed from the soles of their shoes or even easily carried in the bag. Snow boots will provide safer walking. However, even if there are no snow boots, the shoes should be usable in winter, waterproof, non-slip, heelless and having ankle bracelet to prevent ankle sprains in possible falls.”

“STANDING HANDS FREE IS IMPORTANT”

Emphasizing that hands should not be in the pocket while walking, Konakoğlu warned: “It is important to keep hands free and nothing can be carried on the hands so that the person can protect himself / herself in possible falls. However, falling on the hands is also very dangerous. Particularly in prone falls, the head and trunk can be rotated to the right or left, and paying attention on the side falling and not to fall on the hands will minimize the risk of disability. In supine falls, it is very important to take the head between hands and bend forward and protect the head.”

“ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS SHOULD NOT WALK ALONE”

Stating that elderly individuals who are at high risk of falling should not walk alone in harsh weather conditions, Gülşah Konakoğlu said: “In addition, throwing away devices such as hand-held walking aids in the event of a fall is also important in order to prevent injury from falling onto the devices. It should be kept in mind that falls may cause disability, tissue injuries, fractures, fear of falling again, loss of function and high rate of mortality, especially in elderly individuals.”