What You Can Do on Your Own to Reduce Fall Risk
“You don’t have to wait until you’re ‘high risk’ to enact lifestyle changes that help with fall prevention,” says Loewenthal. There are meaningful steps you can take, today, to reduce your own fall risk.
Loewenthal recommends cultivating a yoga practice or strength training, regardless of your age, to improve balance and strength.
Supporting your mental health is equally important. “One of the most common [causes of] increases in fall risk with RA is the impact of depression and emotional coping with the disease,” says Atwood.
If you’re feeling depressed or anxious about having RA, you might consider talking to a therapist, attending a support group, or making time for an activity you love.
Managing your body weight can also help prevent falls. “More weight carried through joints increases pain and changes postural integrity,” says Atwood. Eating a healthy, balanced diet (for example, the Mediterranean diet) and exercising regularly can help support your weight.
