Health News
Today, U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) was rushed to a Washington, D.C.-area hospital in an ambulance after suffering a fall at his home. Thankfully, the longest-serving U.S.senator in history is expected to recover.
Unfortunately, what happened to Sen. Byrd is not an unusual event among the elderly population. Every 18 seconds in this country, an adult over the age of 65 falls so severely so as to warrant a trip to the emergency room. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2003, 13,700 elderly Americans died from falls.
Could you or a loved one be at risk for falls? A person?s risk for falling is determined by things such as age, a history of falls, medications (some cause dizziness), gait issues and his or her mental state. It?s quite common for people to fall in the same manner Sen. Byrd did ? he stood up, felt dizzy and fell.
If you think you could be at risk for falling, discuss with your doctor what steps you should take to prevent falls. Your physician may be able to prescribe you a different medication that does not cause dizziness, and may know of community exercise programs that will help you improve your balance. Also, you should have an ophthalmologist give you a yearly vision check to make sure that you are still seeing clearly.
To reduce your chances of falling at home, do the following:
Are you concerned about your own risk for falls or the risk of someone you know? Have you done anything to make your home safer? For more information, visit the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, or talk to your physician about ways to fall-proof your home. To find a LifeBridge Health physician, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
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Health News
Take Measures to Prevent Falls At Home
Today, U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) was rushed to a Washington, D.C.-area hospital in an ambulance after suffering a fall at his home. Thankfully, the longest-serving U.S.senator in history is expected to recover.
Unfortunately, what happened to Sen. Byrd is not an unusual event among the elderly population. Every 18 seconds in this country, an adult over the age of 65 falls so severely so as to warrant a trip to the emergency room. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2003, 13,700 elderly Americans died from falls.
Could you or a loved one be at risk for falls? A person?s risk for falling is determined by things such as age, a history of falls, medications (some cause dizziness), gait issues and his or her mental state. It?s quite common for people to fall in the same manner Sen. Byrd did ? he stood up, felt dizzy and fell.
If you think you could be at risk for falling, discuss with your doctor what steps you should take to prevent falls. Your physician may be able to prescribe you a different medication that does not cause dizziness, and may know of community exercise programs that will help you improve your balance. Also, you should have an ophthalmologist give you a yearly vision check to make sure that you are still seeing clearly.
To reduce your chances of falling at home, do the following:
- Ensure your rooms are lit well enough so that you can clearly see any objects you might trip over. Don?t leave clutter in areas you frequently walk through.
- If you use throw rugs, use double-sided tape to make sure they adhere securely to your floors.
- Don?t boost yourself up on furniture to out-of-reach objects ? instead, use a step stool. Better yet, put items that you use frequently in cabinets that you can easily reach without a stool.
- Wear shoes that fit well and are not too lose. Rubber-bottomed shoes will give you the best grip, so wear them inside as well as outside.
Are you concerned about your own risk for falls or the risk of someone you know? Have you done anything to make your home safer? For more information, visit the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, or talk to your physician about ways to fall-proof your home. To find a LifeBridge Health physician, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
- Use Of Walking Aids Is Increasing As Population Ages; Study Debunks Notion That Using Them Makes Falls More Likely
In the last 10 years, the use of walking aids?such as canes, wheelchairs and scooters?has increased by half, and is expected to grow as the number of seniors doubles in the next 35 years. Research has shown a correlation between use of walking aids and...
- ?the 5-second Rule? And Food Safety
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Food safety advice is everywhere, and we?re always hearing debates about ?use by dates? and ?sell by dates? as well as the ?right? internal temperature for meat consumption. Yes, food-borne illness is a problem, and we?re always...
- Getting On The Bandwagon
LifeBridge Health is on the bandwagon - the wristband bandwagon, that is. Poor communication about risk factors can lead to negative effects. ?Get on the Bandwagon? is a patient safety campaign to standardized color wristbands that alert caregivers to...
- Osteoporosis Drugs Offer New Hope
Osteoporosis or ?porous bone,? is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. It leads to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. According to endocrinologist Esther Krug, M.D., the...
- Bike Helmets Are A Must
It?s the time of year to jump back on the bike and enjoy the spring weather. But before you head for the Gwynn Falls Trail, remember your bike helmet. Even experienced bike riders cannot always avoid collisions. According to the Centers for Disease Control...