Winter can be a treacherous time when it comes to slips and falls, with frosty mornings and the chances of snow.

Here, Wickford GP and clinical director at Basildon Alliance, Dr Boye Tayo, offers advice on how to avoid injuries and keep safe.

The risk of falling can be reduced by ensuring your strength and balance is as good as it can be. Walking, dancing and taking part in simple exercise programmes will help. Active Essex’s ‘Find your Active’ website has some excellent resources to help people find suitable activities, as well as meet people with shared interests.

Eating and drinking regularly

If you’re unable to stick to routine meals, snacking throughout the day will help boost energy. Drink at least six to eight glasses of fluid, especially water, daily to decrease the chance of feeling lightheaded and risk a fall.

Medication checks

Some prescribed medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or balance problems, not only with new medications or recent dose changes but also with the same medications you may have been taking for some time.

Removing hazards

Making homes ‘fall proof’ is important as most slips and falls happen indoors, so look out for potential hazards and consider how to make your home safer. Remove rugs from the top of stairs, place a night light by your bed or on the landing to aid visibility in the middle of the night. Motion-activated lights are also available, they automatically switch on when needed.

Some mobility shops stock a range of aids to help reduce falls; such as long handled reachers, riser recliner chairs, perching stools and walking aids. If you already use a walking stick or frame, check the handles and feet are in good condition and the aid is the correct height for you.

Check your vision and hearing

Poor eyesight and inadequate glasses can cause falls. Have your eyes tested at least every two years and keep glasses clean and well maintained.

Most importantly, if you or someone you’re caring for has a serious fall and can’t get up, call 999.

For further advice about falls prevention equipment, contact the Essex Wellbeing Service at www.essexwellbeingservice.co.uk or call 0300 303 99