Ways seniors can avoid icy injuries

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - With all the ice and snow during the winter season, the increase in slips and falls can skyrocket. For aging seniors, these slips and falls can lead to serious injuries. Additional factors like medication, vision changes and weakness can also make accidents much more common. Whether out in the winter elements or inside of their home, there are some simple exercises that Holland Home recommends seniors practice to prevent falls.

Squats
Sit in a chair and then stand up. Bend at the knees and do squats up and down. For more of a challenge bring your hands across your chest. Do this exercise ten times in a row.

Heel Raises
Stand behind the chair and hold onto it with your hands. Raise up on the balls of your feet so you feel a stretch in your calves. For more of a challenge release your hands from the chair. Do this exercise ten times in a row.

Balancing
Stand on one foot and hold for 10 seconds. Then switch feet and repeat. If this is easy for you, you can make it more challenging by closing your eyes. Do this exercise ten times in a row on each leg.

Holland Home works with their residents on exercises like those above and is also available for house calls. For more information contact Holland Home at www.hollandhome.org or call 616-643-2730.