Hi there, summer lovers! Are you ready for some fun in the sun? I know I am! But before you head out to enjoy the warm weather, let me ask you a question: do you know how to prevent falls in the summer? Yes, you heard me right. Falls are not just a winter problem. They can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. And they can ruin your summer plans faster than a sunburn. So how can you avoid falling and stay safe this summer? June is Safety Awareness Month! Here are some fun ways to prevent falls in the summer that will also keep you fit and healthy.
But first, please consider the following risks:
1) Children and Grandchildren
2) Pets
3) Gardening
4) Rain/ Drought
5) Friends
What? How can those be risks?
Risks you cannot foresee
Children and Grandchildren
Pets?
Garden
Rain
Rain, rain, go away. Ahh the old singsong of our youth and although we would prefer it to be sunny during the day so we can play, and only rain at night, that doesn’t happen. Currently, in my area, we have had no rain for at least 2 weeks, so the ground is hard and in a lot of places, uneven – a perfect tripping hazard. Alternatively in times of heavy rain, walkways and grass can be slippery and dangerous. It isn’t the rain itself that is dangerous, it is the consequence of too much or too little of it. (Maybe that is the same for the pets and children?)
Friends
Friends’ and family’s homes, yards, and boats may be unfamiliar territory. We love them and enjoy visiting, but do they truly look out for us at every turn? Are they thinking (or not) like we do as we stroll in to see them? Is there furniture that is in a different place? How is the lighting? Did they water the yard just before we arrived so there is a slip ‘n slide now? What about those dock cleats that jump out when you are not looking? We know that our friends and family are not out to get us, so it is on us to be vigilant, pay attention to our surroundings and stay balanced so when something does pop up, we can recover well.
9 Fun Ways To Prevent Fall In The Summer
That was a lot of fun, but seriously how can we prevent toppling over in the situations above? In some cases, we cannot, however, if we build strength and balance, we may be able to prevent injury in the fall. Here are some fun ways to build strength, balance, and resilience so you are prepared for the occasion when a puppy runs you over when you are not looking, and you can stick the landing, scoring a perfect “10”.
1. Move
2. Dance
Dance like nobody’s watching! Dancing is just moving to music. I am not saying you must do wild and crazy stunts, but moving to music makes you want to move more and may free up muscles making it easier to keep moving. Start small and see what you can do. Dancing improves balance, flexibility, mood, and coordination, all of which help you stay upright unless you are doing the worm. Please do not try to do the wild and crazy stunts unattended or at the very beginning of the song. Save them for the finale. Dance alone, with a partner, or in a group. Make sure you have enough space around you to whirl and twirl as you will. “Just dance!”
3. Walk
“And he walks with me, and he talks with me.” Yes, I know, walking is moving… are you sensing a theme here? Walking and talking with friends is great exercise for the body and brain. Maybe you can’t solve the world’s problems as you walk, but you can build friendships and muscles and learn more about other people which is never a bad thing. Walking strengthens your muscles, bones, and joints, and improves your posture and endurance. It also lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress levels. So, take that friend and meet to walk in different places. Be aware of the terrain and wear proper footwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and enjoy the change of scenery.
4. Play like a kid
Remember when you were a kid and you loved to play games like hopscotch, tag, or hide and seek? Well, guess what? You can still play them as an adult! Playing games is not only fun but also good for your brain and body. It challenges your memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, and helps you move in different ways, even if it is shuffling cards in a different way. So why not invite your family or friends to join you for some playful fun? You can even make up your own games or rules to make it more interesting. Can we say Twister or would you prefer Canasta?
5. Do some gardening
WAIT! Did we not say that was dangerous? Gardening is a wonderful hobby that can help you prevent falls in the summer. It keeps you active and engaged, moves your body in intriguing ways, and gives you a sense of accomplishment. It also beautifies your surroundings and provides you with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, or flowers. Be aware of the dangers of loose tools and frisky foliage, and that garden groove can be helpful!
6. Do some yoga
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation. It is good for your body, mind, and spirit. It also improves your balance, coordination, and strength, and reduces your stress and anxiety. You can do it at home, in a studio, or in nature. You can follow a routine, a video, or your own intuition. Test your tree pose close to a wall and see if you can increase your time as a flamingo.
7. Slap a patch on
Slap a patch on and move some more! Try a Liberty patch that increases your balance, strength, flexibility, and more. With no drugs, chemicals, or supplements, I love these patches for giving me an edge when I may have overdone it, or for when I need that extra inch of reach. (They can be found at rel= “ugc” socksonthedock.superpatch.com) Vibrotactile technology for the win! It is not cheating if you still move and now move better and more easily with the patch. Nothing ingested means no side effects other than the benefits of moving better.
8. Pack a picnic
Pack a picnic and go on an adventure to a new place, maybe Niagara Falls? Picnics generally mean sitting on the ground, which works on your flexibility and of course your math skills can improve as you watch “the ants go marching one by one.” Delicious food and quality time with loved ones boost your mood and new experiences increase brain activity which all help to keep you sharp, alert, and ready to win the fly swat challenge and the egg toss.
9. Swim
You can’t fall down in the water. You float! Swimming works all your major muscle groups and supports your weight in the water. It also improves your cardiovascular health and lung capacity. And swimming feels great on a hot day! So why not dive into some swimming this summer? You can swim in a pool, a lake, or an ocean. Test out that tree pose in different types of water and see what works best. I bet I know!
The Final Words
Beth Hill Poulin
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