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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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October 21, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Preventing Falls
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
How many “trips or falls”
have you had over the years? For younger people, most falls result in
little more than a few moments of embarrassment. But for older persons,
falls can be much more serious and can lead to a drastic change in
lifestyle. Statistically, it is rather common for persons over 65 to
fall at least once a year. Three quarters of all falls occur in and
around the home. Yet most of these falls are preventable .
There are several actions that can be taken to minimize the risk of
falling:
• Study shoes! Soles that grip and shoes that provide adequate support
are very important. Many falls occur simply because the sole slides, or
the shoe doesn't provide enough support to keep the gait steady. Other
falls are caused by the shoe falling off the foot. A research study
published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (reported on
in Health After 50 , Dec. 2004) showed that going barefoot (or stocking
feet) around the house is associated with a higher rate of falls in the
elderly. The lowest risk of falls occurred in the group that wore
sneakers.
• Simple exercises can greatly improve balance, gait, range of motion,
and strength, which can help in preventing falls. These exercises can be
done standing at the sink and sitting in a chair.
• Learning how to change positions (like from sitting to standing) can
prevent dizziness (which is a common reason for falling.) Quick changes
in position can cause orthostatic hypertension, which means that the
blood pressure drops quickly. This is what causes the dizziness.
• Household assessment! Believe it or not, many falls result from easily
remedied situations in and around the home. Some carpet tape to secure a
corner or mat can prevent a fractured hip. Common household contributors
to falls include: scatter rugs, unsecured carpet edges, electrical
cords, leaving belongings on floor or stairs, slipping on spilled
liquids, and reaching for items stored in difficult places to reach.
Poor lighting in hallways or stairwells can also contribute to falls.
• Your personal health status can be a factor in falls. Have your vision
checked. If you are supposed to wear glasses, do so. If your gait is
unsteady, use a walker or a cane. Review your medications with your
doctor or pharmacist to see if any of them could cause dizziness.
Falls in the winter are a common occurrence. Consumer Reports on Health
(Jan. 2005) recommends: Face the railing on icy stairs, grasp with both
hands and go up and down sideways, with one foot then the other; Shuffle
on icy grounds, taking one tiny step at a time; If the ice you need to
cross seems really bad, sit down and scoot across, using your hands to
push you along.
For a free copy of the “Doable, Renewable Home”, focusing on prevention
in the home and other information on fall prevention, District residents
may call QVHD, 248-4528 or request online,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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