Safety First, Always!

I have no idea the age of those reading this but I think I may have grown up in a different time than a lot of you.  While growing up, when I rode in the car there was no such thing as air bags, infant and children car seats, or even seat

Ultimate safety -- your very own Superman

belts.  Kids rode in the car in the front, back, standing on the hump, lying on the “shelf” by the back window, upside down, backwards… you get the picture.  The biggest safety help was the handle hanging on each side of the backseat that you could grab if travelling over bumpy terrain.  Thank goodness for all the safety rules, regulations, and aids we have for travelling today.   Well, this entry today is not about automobile safety but rather safety in general for those of us with Meniere’s Disease.

Over the years I have talked to many patients about this issue. 

After inspection, this sidewalk looks safe

It is really very simple; we do not want to fall.  We keep our balance through three inputs to our brain – vision, inner ear, and somatosensory (sensations received through the skin).  If any of these inputs are compromised we may have problems with balance.  As Meniere’s patients, our inner ear(s) is (are) not working properly and we are therefore more prone to losing our balance.  It is very important for us to get as much information from visual and somatosensory cues as possible.  The following suggestions are really just common sense, but often times overlooked.

Eating waffles while bathing, safe? Hmmmmm...

Always have enough light (visual).
 Keep nightlights on in your bedroom and bathroom for getting up at night.
 Never enter a dark room even in your own home.
 When staying elsewhere over night, take nightlights or leave the bathroom light on.
 At night always park in a well-lit area or use valet parking.
 Take walks during daylight hours.
 Carry flashlights in your car, when you travel, and several places around your home for unexpected times of darkness.
 Keep extra light bulbs for needed changes.
 Wear your glasses as needed.

Use smooth walkways (somatosensory).
 Keep traffic areas in your home free of clutter. Make sure family members are also aware of this.  If you have young children or grandchildren living with you, do a double check before going to bed so as not to trip later.
 Wear shoes (you women out there) that allow you to still be able to “feel” where and what you are walking on.
 The path from bed to bathroom should be free of too thick or too flimsy of a throw rug – actually anyplace in your house but especially those areas used at night.
 Stay away from or be very careful with graveled, stoned, or unevenly paved parking lots or walkways.  That goes for grassy, hilly, or any uneven surface, especially in the evening or at night!

The hat shields me from the sun, the shoes?... a fashion statement!

Rather simple, keep the lights on and watch where you are walking.  Never be apprehensive about asking for assistance, we all can use some now and then.  Listen to your body regarding stress, heat, fatigue, and other triggers you may have.  Keep healthy, keep safe, and always keep your sense of humor!