Some suggested precautions if you have balance difficulties or loss of sensation about where hands/feet are located...Woman tested!
Updated: Monday, March 08, 2004 12:10:55 PM

• Watch where you are stepping.
• Turn on the lights: the extra electricity is far cheaper than an injury.
• Use good lighting to see where you are.
• Use extra caution when handling anything that is sharp, or when you are near dangerous objects.
• Be sure to use adequate protection when outdoors in cold weather.
• Use protection, such as hot pads, when touching cold or hot objects, or items of which you don't know the temperature.
• To avoid burns, test the water temperature with a body part that doesn't have neuropathy.
• Have someone else test the water temperature for you.
• Wear rubber gloves for most cleaning tasks to prevent cuts, scrapes, and damage from harsh cleaning chemicals and abrasives.
• In the kitchen and garden, use extra safety precautions to avoid burns, cuts, freeze, etc.
• If you have reduced sensations in your feet, take extra care driving a car.
• Really LOOK to see if you have a good grip on things.
• Pay attention to what you are doing and concentrate on the task at hand.
• Move slower and with more deliberation.
• On stairs, use the handrails and/or have someone by your side.
• Use a cane for balance.
• Check out the hazards of your job and/or workplace and take precautions to avoid injury.
• In the shower area, install a grab bar. Get a shower stool. Place shampoo and other items in a hanging basket. Before entering the shower, turn on water and adjust the temperature. If using shampoo while eyes are closed, be extra careful as balance may be impaired so lean an elbow, knee or other body part against the shower wall to stabilize your balance. Better yet, sit down when balance may be a challenge. Use "soap-on-a-rope" if soap is too slippery to hold.

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