Many falls are preventable. Follow these 5 tips from Physical Therapist Becky Steffens, DPT to help you stay safe.
January 14, 2025
Falls can lead to serious injuries. The good news is that many falls are preventable. Becky Steffens, DPT, a physical therapist at Jefferson Healthcare, shared expert advice on reducing fall risks on the To Your Health podcast. Here are five practical tips inspired by Steffensβ insights to help you stay safe and steady all year.
Building strength in your ankles, hips, and core can improve balance and help you recover quickly if you stumble. Steffens explains, βOne of the first lines of defense is an ankle strategy. Can you sway on your ankles and keep your balance? Next, we use our hips, and finally, a stepping strategy to regain balance.β Practicing exercises like gentle ankle sways or stepping drills can make a big difference in your stability.
2. Make Your Home SaferMany falls occur at home, but simple adjustments can significantly reduce your risk. Steffens advises: βRemove throw rugs, use nightlights, and install handrails in bathrooms or on stairs. Bathrooms, in particular, are among the most dangerous places due to hard surfaces.β These small changes can create a safer environment and prevent unnecessary accidents.
If youβre feeling unsteady, assistive devices like canes or walkers can provide the support you need. βThere are canes, crutches, and walkers of all shapes and sizes,β says Steffens. βThese tools can make a big difference in maintaining your mobility and preventing falls.β Donβt hesitate to use these aids to prioritize your safety.
4. Join a Balance or Exercise ClassStaying active is key to preventing falls, and group classes can be a fun way to build strength and balance. Steffens highlights, βWalking daily or taking exercise classes a couple of times a week is great. Itβs enjoyable, you can see friends, and youβll get stronger together.β
Look for local classes focused on balance, stretching, or low-impact exercises to maintain your strength and confidence. You can also visit our website to learn about Jefferson Healthcare’s Wellness Center for Exercise.
If youβre experiencing frequent falls or balance issues, seek professional help. βIf youβre falling multiple times a day or even once a day, thatβs a sign to call for help,β says Steffens. A physical therapist or primary care provider can assess your needs and create a personalized fall prevention plan tailored to your situation.
Click here to learn about Jefferson Healthcare’s rehabilitation services, including physical therapy. Or, click here to learn about your primary care providers.
For more insights and actionable advice, listen to Becky Steffensβ full podcast episode on fall prevention. If youβre ready to take the next step, schedule a visit with your primary care provider to discuss strategies for reducing fall risks and improving balance.
Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services including primary and specialty physician care.
