Have you ever noticed that fall incidences rise during warmer months? During summer, people often engage in outdoor activities like swimming, cycling or trekking rather than staying indoors. This helps them to stay physically fit, but these activities come with a price, as each activity has its own risk. Fall incidences could also spike up due to increased heat exhaustion, less supportive footwear, uneven terrain and wet surfaces. We spoke to our expert Dr Pavan Chebbi, MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement Surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore, who explained the causes of fall incidences in summer and how to avoid injuries.
According to the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), every 10 °C rise in average daily temperature was linked to a 24% higher likelihood of a fall being injurious rather than non-injurious. The likelihood of an injurious fall occurring outdoors, compared to indoors, increased with higher average temperatures and during the summer season.
Common Reasons For Fall Incidences In Summer
Dr Chebbi listed the common reasons that could lead to injuries as follows:
- Dehydration and fatigue are more common in summer due to higher temperatures and increased physical activity, leading to dizziness or light-headedness. Both factors can impair balance and coordination, making falls more likely.
- The chances of getting injured in uneven terrain while trekking are high. While swimming, people could strain their arm and shoulder muscles, leading to tissue damage. Excessive workouts like cycling could cause knee injury and muscle tears.
- Summer shoes like flip-flops and sandals often offer less support and stability than sturdier shoes worn during other seasons. This can increase the risk of slipping and falling.
- Hot pavement can decrease the friction between shoes and the ground, making it easier to slip and fall. Also, hot weather can lead to dehydration and dizziness, further increasing the risk of falls.
Preventive Measures For Fall Incidences In Summer
Dr Chebbi listed some important preventive measures that you must follow to prevent the risk of falls in summer as follows:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can cause dizziness and poor balance.
- Appropriate Footwear: Choose shoes with good support and non-slip soles, especially when engaging in outdoor activities.
- Exercise: Working out for 30-40 minutes daily keeps a person active. Meditation provides balance and stability to the body and increases overall well-being.
- Supervising Children: Ensure children are supervised during play, especially around water or on playgrounds, to prevent falls.
- Check Equipment: Ensure that all sporting and recreational equipment is in good working condition and properly adjusted to fit to carry out certain activities.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay close attention to your surroundings, especially when walking on wet surfaces or uneven terrain. Don't trip over loose pavement rocks or tree roots.
- Take a break: Pace yourself, rest and cool down during activities, particularly in extreme heat, to prevent fatigue, which can impair balance and coordination.
Bottomline
Dr Chebbi concluded, “You can enjoy a fun and injury-free season by understanding the factors that contribute to increased fall incidences in summer and taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks. Understanding the causes is important to implement preventative measures and ensure a safer summer experience for everyone.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]