BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR A TRIP TO BAIRNSDALE

 27forParkinsons: Day 21

Walking, freezing, falls (cont)

Useful tips - ways to avoid Freezing episodes include:

Always take your medications on time

Walking to a rhythm (listening to a beat or music can help)

Avoid distractions when you're walking, just focus on long steps

Ways to overcome an episode of freezing include:

Prompt yourself by saying aloud 'left, right, left, right' or one, two, one, two'

Stand still and start swinging your arms

Start shifting your weight from foot to foot

Visualise an imaginary line to step over

FALLING:

Walking problems can make people living with Parkinson's more likely to fall. Some of the more common causes of falling for people living with Parkinson's include:

Freezing

Short and shuffling steps

Tendency to lean forward

Reduced blood pressure (Bill experienced blood pressure spikes -highs and lows)

Environmental hazards

Each of these problems can interfere with a person's balance, resulting in a fall

Falls are more likely to happen and cause serious injury in the later stages of Parkinson's. Be aware that falls can occur at any stage of Parkinson's.

Falling is particularly hazardous because of the risk of serious injury. Falls are a common cause of hospital admission for people living with Parkinson's. Whilst minor cuts and bruises are common, more serious injuries can occur and make the challenge of living with Parkinsons more difficult.

It is a good idea to report falls with your GP and/or specialist - particularly if falls are becoming more frequent. Adjusting medications can be helpful in some situations.

A good idea is to keep a journal/note book/diary specifically for recording falls, blood pressure changes, medication changes etc as sometimes dates and times are hard to remember.

Useful tips - to lower risk of falling

Always take medications on time

Undertake regular exercise to help with balance and leg strength

Walk to a rhythm - listening to a beat or music can help

Focus on long steps when walking

Remove hazards in your home, such as mats, rugs or furniture that blocks walkways.

Trip to Bairnsdale today with Noelene ... coffee, food, op shops, iced coffee, food, antique shops and Bunnings ... great day - very enjoyable. And so proud of myself - I managed to fit new hose fittings to the garden hose myself .... never had to do so before .. new skills I'm learning.