You At Your Best

Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette Every year, about one out of four adults age 65 and older falls, and about 20 percent of those falls result in serious injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, risk factors for falls include: • Lower-body weakness • Vitamin D deficiency • Balance problems or difficulty walking • Medications • Vision problems • Osteoporosis • Foot pain/poor footwear • Home safety hazards If you recognize some of these risk factors, you may want to ask your doctor to evaluate your risk of falling. "A complete physical exam can help determine if you have a medical condition that requires treatment to reduce your risk for falls," says Jantzen Slater, MD, of Washington Regional's Farmington Family Clinic. For instance, Dr. Slater says, some prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines can cause dizziness or sleepiness, making people more susceptible to falls. "If you're at risk for falls, talk with your doctor about trying a lower dose of these medicines or switching to a different medicine," he says. Here are some of Dr. Slater's other suggestions for reducing your fall risk: Check your vision. For some people, avoiding falls may be as simple as getting an eye exam. "Poor vision can lead you to trip or misstep and fall, particularly in poor lighting," according to Dr. Slater. "Make sure you get a comprehensive exam at least once every year, and wear corrective lenses if needed." People who wear bifocal or progressive lenses may want to get a pair of glasses with only their distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. "Sometimes bifocal lenses can make judging distances during activities more difficult and lead to falls," Dr. Slater says. Make your home safe. "Most falls occur at home," Dr. Slater says. Look for trip hazards, such as loose carpets or obstructions in walkways. Increase your home's lighting so you can see. Add grab bars in the bathroom to help you safely navigate the tub and toilet. Add a second railing to your staircase. Wear shoes instead of socks in your house. Shoes with rubber soles will give you good grip. Add exercise to your daily routine. "Nearly everyone can safely exercise at home with little or no equipment," Dr. Slater says. Adding exercise can help treat common causes of falls such as osteoporosis, balance problems and lower body weakness. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to exercise at home. "Most falls can be prevented," Dr. Slater says. "It's important to look at the simple things you can do to keep yourself from falling." SATURdAY, AUgUST 25, 2018 | ViSiOn HEAlTH - SEpTEmBER nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 17 See your way to avoiding falls Dr. Slater provides family care in Farmington Jantzen Slater, MD, recently joined clinic partners Jamal Abdin, MD, and Deborah Sweatt, APRN, of Washington Regional's Farmington Family Clinic. Dr. Slater offers preventive care for all ages as well as treatment for acute illnesses and management of chronic conditions. Dr. Slater earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed a family medicine residency at Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah. He is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Appointments with Dr. Slater are available by calling (479) 463-1001. Farmington Family Clinic, located at 199 E. Main St. in Farmington, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday. For more information, visit wregional.com. WaSHiNGtoN reGioNal FarmiNGtoN Family cliNic physician PROFILE:

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