TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT BATHROOM INJURIES

Every year thousands of people over age 15 visit the emergency room(ER) because of injuries suffered in the bathroom and a significant percent are hospitalized..
Women are more likely to be hurt than men. Bathroom injuries increases with age peaking after 85.
These injuries can occur in the shower,bath tub,toilet areas, around the sink etc. The injuries also occur more while getting out of the bath tub or shower.

BATHROOM INJURIES CAN LEAD TO THE FOLLOWING;

• Sprains
• Contusions
• Fractures
• Concussion
• Abrasions
• Spinal cord injury

THE FOLLOWING PARTS OF THE BODY COULD BE AFFECTED IN BATHROOM INJURIES:

1. Head (Traumatic brain injury)
2. Chest
3. Abdomen
4. Upper limbs
5. Lower limbs

INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF HAVING BATHROOM INJURIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 

• PREGNANT WOMEN; Dizziness is one of the symptoms seen in pregnant women. They can also get tired easily as they progress in their pregnancy. This can lead to injuries in the bathroom because they tend to loose balance when they are dizzy.
• ELDERLY; As one gets older the bone density reduces, elderly people are also prone to having osteoarthritis etc These make elderly people to have less strength, grip and the balance to support themselves. Minor falls can cause fractures in people with osteoporosis, which is seen in post-menopausal women and elderly men . 
• PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PEOPLE: They are always prone to falls in areas that are not well designed for them to move around or use. They can fall while trying to gain entry into the bath tub or leaving the bathroom. In well developed climes laws are put in place so that houses are built to also suit physically challenged individuals who might want to occupy the apartment.

TIPS TO PREVENT  BATHROOM INJURIES

To reduce the risk of bathroom injuries, an environmental modification is required. The following should be put in place to ensure that bathroom injuries are reduced to the barest minimum

• ANTI-SLIP BATH TUB MAT;

This is placed in the bath tubs to prevent you from slipping while having a shower. It is made up of natural rubber. It has suction cups on the reverse side of the mat, this is the part that adheres to the surface of the bath tub. The part you stand on has a secure grip that prevents you from falling.

• NON SLIPPERY FLOOR TILES;

Always use non slippery floor tiles for the bathroom. When you use smooth surface floor tiles for the bathroom, it will increase your chances of having bathroom injuries. Well designed houses will always put that into consideration.

• SHOWER CURTAINS;

Most of the bathroom injuries that occur happen when leaving the bath tub after bathing. This is so because while taking your bath the water and lather from bath soap or bath gell splashes on the floor of the bathroom causing you to slip off once you step on the floor. The shower curtains helps to collect the water that might splash on the floor during shower into the bath tub. There are a lot of beautiful shower curtains in  the market that are not expensive. They also come in different materials like fabrics or PEVA( poly ethylene vinyl acetate).You don't need a shower curtain if your shower has a transparent door/shield.

• GRAB BARS;

Toilet Grab Bars

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Bathroom Grab Bars

Grab bars are put in the bathroom and close to the toilet area. This will make it easier to enter and leave the bathroom when they hold on to it. It can also help the elderly and physically challenged individuals to stand up from sitting position after using the toilet and also serves as a support while sitting down during defecation.

• FLOOR MAT/TOWEL

This is always kept just by the corner of the bath tub or shower. It absorbs the water from your feet just as you leave the bath tub and can also absorb any water that could have collected on the floor while bathing. This helps to keep your feet dry, thereby preventing you from slipping.

For people that stay in apartments  where there are no bath tubs or showers, the floors of the bathroom can be made with anti slippery floor tiles and also wear slippers that have anti slippery surface. 

Just like the saying goes 'Prevention is better than cure'. Putting the aforementioned items in place will save you a lot compared to when you get admitted for fractures or lacerations on any part of the body. You spend more money in the hospital and will eventually stay away from work until you are better.

Feel free to ask questions or you can share your experience with us.

Stay healthy guys and thanks for visiting .