Happy Gardening!
Now that spring is near, you will have the opportunity to be outside and get started on the lawn and garden. Gardening and yard work can help keep you mobile, active and strong which can help reduce your risk of falling. Here are some tips to help you prevent falling:
• Safe gardening! Use a foam pad for your knees while kneeling and rise slowly with the support of a chair to help you stand safely. Avoid bending at the waist or over-reaching for items when gardening because this can make you lose your balance.
• Secure your tools. Put away hoses, watering cans, rakes, shovels and equipment right away to avoid the chance of tripping over them later.
• Wear well fitting shoes. Shoes should have good support to help keep you stable while tending to the lawn or garden. Choose shoes or sandals with a heel strap to avoid losing your shoes when walking.
• Watch your step! Be careful on wet soil or grass so you don’t slip or fall. Keep walkways free of leaves and yard ornaments to ensure a clear pathway.
• Be prepared. Carry a cordless phone with you in the yard to avoid rushing into the house to answer the phone or in case you need to make an emergency call.
• Enjoy the moment! Sit, relax and enjoy the yard with a glass of water when you feel you need a rest. Enjoy the beautiful yard you have created!
Don't let a fall get you down! A presentation about improving balance
Learn some great ways to improve your balance and stay on your feet in a special (and free) one hour webcast. View the presentation here.
