This morning I was pretty rushed getting ready for work. I was just finishing up a quick shower and turned to get out when my foot slipped out from under me! I luckily managed to catch myself on the wall. . . but barely!This was a reminder to myself that I need to SLOW DOWN.
I assumed that bathroom accidents just happened with the elderly, but my experience this morning showed me that it can happen to anyone!I found a recent article in the New York Times and sure enough, it turns out the bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house! That made me feel a little less clumsy at least.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year about 235,000 people over age 15 visit the emergency room due to injuries suffered in the bathroom. 14 percent of these people are hospitalized. Over a third of injuries happen while showering or bathing, and more than 14 percent occur while using the toilet.
Researchers found that injuries do increase with age, peaking after 85. Injuries around the tub or shower are proportionately most common among those aged 15-24 and least common in those over 85. Those over 85 suffer over half of their injuring by the toilet.
Other interesting findings include the bathroom injury rate for women was 72 percent higher than for men.It is speculated that this difference is due to differences in physical activity, lower-body strength, bone mass, or more willingness to seek treatment.
The most dangerous activity for all ages are bathing, showering, and getting out of the tub or shower.2.2 percent of injuries occur while getting into the tub or shower while 9.8 percent occur while getting out. Makes sense to me!
The best tip to prevent accidents is to have grab bars by the toilet for those in their older years, and for all of us to have grab bars both inside the tub or shower and where you get in and out. So remember to take your time and think about what you’re doing in the bathroom. I know I plan to get up at least 15 minutes earlier tomorrow morning. Have you ever fallen or been injured in the bathroom? Do have any other helpful tips to prevent bathroom tragedies?