Not a week passes by without getting someone who has an ankle sprain, a knee injury, shoulder pain etc. Reason: “I slipped in the bathroom”
The smallest room in the house can be a dangerous place.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 235,000 people over age 15 visit emergency rooms because of injuries suffered in the bathroom, and almost 14 percent are hospitalized.
More than a third of the injuries happen while bathing or showering. More than 14 percent occur while using the toilet.
PREVALENCE
The bathroom injury rate for women was 72 percent higher than for men, the analysis found. Studies have shown that women are at higher risk than men for injuries in falls, and the authors speculate that the disparity might also be attributed to differences in physical activity, lower-body strength, bone mass or even more willingness to seek treatment.
There are reasons that may contribute to slippery bathroom floors either in our own homes or mall washrooms. These are:
- Leaks
- Soap
- Overflow
- Broken tiles
PREVENTION
- Throw away your bathroom rug- Raised or uneven surfaces are hazards and can increase your likelihood of falling in the bathroom
- Secure loose corners– Put non slip strips down on any loose corners you see
- Clean your bath after use– Soapy residue or mould at the bottom of your bath can be very slippery, increasing your likelihood of falling over
- Keep your floor dry– Avoid dangerous slips by ensuring your bathroom floor is always dry
- Consider grab rails– Grab rails installed near your toilet or bath can help stabilize you as you stand
- Invest in a bath lift– Bath lifts can help make getting in and out of your bath safer and easier by gently lowering and lifting you in and out of your bath, putting less strain on your joints.
- Get better lighting– If your vision is poor adding extra lighting on the way to or inside your bathroom can prevent you fumbling for a light switch or falling on something you didn’t see, especially at night time.
- Do not rush– The more you rush, the more likely you are to fall, so always take your time walking from one area to the next.
What to do when you fall:
- Feel whether you can feel your toes
- Check whether you are able to turn your neck and even talk.
- It is important to shout for help to avoid any further damage. Someone else is better placed to assess for bruises, blood spots or any other issue.
- Suppose you are bleeding, feeling numb or cannot walk visit the Doctor immediately.
- If you have pain it is important to rest and use ice on the injured part.
- If after a day or two it still hurts it is important to visit a physiotherapist. They will be able to assess and inform you of the structures that have been hurt. Give a treatment regimen to get you painless.
