Fracture Prevention Starts with Strong Bones
Discover how bone health impacts your safety and independence
Talk to your healthcare provider if you’ve fallen, feel unsteady when standing or walking, or worry about falling. They can help you find simple ways to improve your balance, strength and safety. Small steps like using assistive devices, exercising regularly or making your home safer can help you stay steady on your feet, lower your risk of falling and keep your independence.
Have questions about your fall risk or bone health? Call us today at 1-888-341-5030 (TTY: 711), Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Central Time, We’re here to help!
Staying active is key to keeping your body healthy and preventing falls. Regular exercise helps build strong muscles, improves your balance and keeps you steady on your feet.
Exercise also helps slow down bone loss from osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak and easier to break. Getting a bone density scan and taking fall prevention steps early can help lower your risk of falling and improve your quality of life.
Here are some exercises to help improve balance, muscles, and coordination. Before starting any routine, talk to your healthcare provider about your best options.
- Walking or climbing stairs
- Using resistance bands
- Practicing yoga
- Taking tai chai
- Joining a Pilates class
- Lifting weights
Here are some tips to make your home safer:
- Remove Trip Hazards: Get rid of throw rugs and keep floors clear of clutter to prevent tripping.
- Improve Lighting: Add extra lights or use brighter bulbs to make your home easier to see and navigate.
- Install Grab Bars: Place grab bars in bathrooms, next to toilets and inside and outside bathtubs or showers for added support.
- Add Handrails: Install handrails on both sides of staircases to provide stability when going up or down.
Staying active and avoiding falls can help keep your independence so you can continue doing the things you love, such as:
Spending quality time with friends and family
Volunteering in your community
Starting a new exercise routine
Visiting local parks
Gardening
Shopping at your favorite stores
Remember, it’s easy to talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to stay healthy and prevent falls and fractures.
Blue Advantage® (PPO) is provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Information provided is not intended to replace medical advice from healthcare professionals.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your healthcare needs.
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