How to Prevent Falls as You Age: A Primary Care Doctor’s Guide in St. Augustine, FL

How to Prevent Falls as You Age: A Primary Care Doctor’s Guide in St. Augustine, FL

As a primary care doctor here in beautiful St. Augustine, I often meet patients who are active, independent, and want to stay that way for as long as possible. But there’s one health concern that too often gets overlooked: fall prevention.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over 65, and they’re not just accidents — many are preventable with the right strategies. Whether you're aging yourself or caring for a loved one, let’s talk about how to stay steady, strong, and safe.

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Every year, 1 in 4 adults over 65 in the U.S. experiences a fall. Even if you walk daily or consider yourself healthy, a single misstep can lead to:

• Hip fractures

• Head injuries

• Loss of independence

• Hospitalization

In my St. Augustine practice, I emphasize proactive care — and preventing falls is one of the smartest health decisions you can make.

7 Simple, Effective Ways to Prevent Falls

1. Get a Fall Risk Assessment

Your primary care doctor is well suited to assess your balance, mobility, and risk factors like medications or chronic illnesses.

2. Review Your Medications

Some prescriptions — especially those for blood pressure, sleep, anxiety, or pain — can cause dizziness or drowsiness. In a Direct Primary Care model, we have the time to go over every med you're on and adjust as needed to reduce fall risk.

3. Strengthen Your Legs and Core

Weak muscles and poor balance are major contributors to falls. Local classes in St. Augustine, such as tai chi or low-impact yoga, are fantastic ways to improve strength, balance, and confidence.

Try this: Stand near a chair and practice rising without using your hands. If that’s hard, we need to talk.

4. Check Your Vision and Hearing

Many patients don’t realize that poor vision or hearing can affect balance. A yearly eye exam is essential. Hearing loss also impacts spatial awareness — and fixing it may help prevent missteps.

5. Create a Safer Home

A few simple changes can drastically reduce your fall risk at home:

• Remove throw rugs

• Install grab bars in the bathroom

• Improve lighting in hallways

• Keep walkways clear of clutter and cords

If you’re unsure, I often recommend a home safety evaluation by a local occupational therapist.

6. Watch Out for St. Augustine’s Uneven Terrain

Our charming historic streets, cobblestone sidewalks, and sandy paths are beautiful — but not always safe. Wear sturdy shoes, use walking aids if needed, and take your time when exploring areas like Old Town or Anastasia State Park.

7. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Dehydration and low blood sugar can lead to dizziness and fainting. Eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water (especially in the Florida heat), and avoid skipping meals — especially before walks or errands.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you’ve experienced a fall, felt unsteady, or started avoiding activities out of fear of falling, please don’t ignore it. We can address the root cause and help you stay mobile and independent.

At Florida Direct Primary Care, you won’t be rushed in and out — we have time to talk, assess, and plan. Together, we can build a fall prevention strategy that works for your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to accept falling as a normal part of aging. With the right steps, you can stay active, independent, and confident — whether you’re walking the St. Johns County pier or just getting out of bed in the morning.

Florida Direct Primary Care in St. Augustine

Dr. Bryant Wilson is a board certified internal medicine physician at Florida Direct Primary Care who develops individualized treatment plans that promote overall health and wellness, tailored to each patient’s unique health needs and goals. If you’re in the St. Augustine area and looking for a primary care doctor, contact us to learn more about our practice. Visit FloridaDPC.com, email us at info@FloridaDPC.com, or call 904-650-2882.

This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating individual health problems or diseases. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

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