Slips, trips and falls

According to the dictionary, these terms are defined as follows:

* To Trip is defined as "a stumble or fall due to catching ones footing on something."

* To Slip is defined as "to slide unintentionally" or "a minor careless mistake."

* To Fall actually has 52 dictionary meanings, a few of those include, "to move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control", or "to go from a higher to a lower level" or "to lose an upright or erect position suddenly".

Slips, Trips and Falls are mentioned in songs, spiritual references, battle, and multiple areas of definition. At the Life Care Campus in Post Falls, our focus is on prevention and safety, so we can keep these events in check. Here is a list of preventions that we consider important to keep you safe at home:

* Clean up spills as soon as they occur. This may sound like a no brainer, but it's one of the No. 1 reasons for falls.

* Seasonal wet snow tracked in by you, your pets or guests can become a dangerous situation very quickly. Try to have a place where you remove your boots that will eliminate water on the floor.

* Remove obstacles. Sound easy right? It is, if you are paying attention to your surroundings.

* Close cabinets and drawers when not in use.

* Remove mats and scatter rugs. If unable to do that, secure mats and carpets by adding abrasive stripes or tape rugs to the floor.

* Replace defective light bulbs.

* Place night lights in areas that have traffic during the night hours.

* Use handrails in stairways.

* Use elevators instead of stairs.

* Prepare to step down and off of platforms firmly.

* Certain tiles and flooring look good, but they are lethal when wet. Walk very carefully!

The goal is to stay upright. When in doubt, take short steps, knees slightly bent, shuffle feet as needed and walk slowly.

Question when you slip.

Assess why you tripped.

And evaluate how you fall.

As part of a care giving team in the community, we know that no one, young or old is exempt from falling. Be aware of your surroundings, and take careful steps to a healthy life.

Sheri Koch is the director of Rehabilitation Services at Life Care Center of Post Falls.