donald liss: how to prevent falls
TRANSCRIPT
BackgroundLast month the U.S. Centers for Disease Control released a report that found
that “falls are the number one cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among
adults over 65” (Brophy).
Unfortunately, many older adults suffer from osteoporosis which makes the
bones weak and more likely to break during a fall.
If you are over the age of 65, it’s imperative that you take preventative
measures to lower your risk of falling—regardless if you have osteoporosis or
not.
CommonReasons for Falls
Some of the most common reasons for falls include loss of balance, poor
vision, or inebriation.
Certain medications may also increase your risk of falling if the side effects
make you feel dizzy or confused.
Improper footwear or untreated foot pain can also increase your chance of
falling.
Your surroundings, such as an uneven walkway or a throw rug, can also
increase the chances that you suffer a fall.
Preventing Falls:Part 1
Take a look around your house. Make sure that the floors are free of clutter.
Remove any cords that could trip you. Get rid of your throw rugs and high heel
shoes. Repair any outside steps or pathways that are broken.
If you have hardwood floors you should always wear footwear indoors. You
increase your chance of falling if you wear socks or slippers.
Make sure your stairs are well lit. Don’t attempt to navigate the hallway in the
dark when you go in search of that midnight snack.
Preventing Falls:Part 2
Add a bath mat that won’t slide. You should also install bars on the bathroom
walls so that you have something to hold on to when you enter and exit the
tub. Make sure that you also have a bath mat on the floor outside of the tub so
that the floor isn’t slippery when you step out.
Exercise daily to increase and strengthen your balance. Standing on one leg
for a period of time is one simple exercise that you can do each day.
If You FallWhile it’s difficult to react in the moment, if you do fall try to avoid landing on
your side. Breaking your hip bone is very painful since the bone is so large,
and the recovery process can be very difficult.
When you fall try your best to land on your buttocks or fall forwards. Some
people choose to wear special hip pads to protect the bone if they fall.
Recovering from a fall is often a long process. Depending on the type of fall,
you might need surgery.
It’s not a bad idea to receive an evaluation by a physiatrist and/or a physical
therapist. Both health care professionals will be able to provide you with
treatment that helps you recover more quickly.