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Steady as you go: How to prevent falls
I
t’s pretty common to see a toddler take a tumble, get
up and toddle on, no worse for wear. But as we get
older, falls can be a serious health risk.
One-third of people 65 and older fall each year,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Falls, and the injuries they cause,
can severely limit a person’s independence.
But that’s not the worst of it. Some falls are fatal. In
fact, falls are the main cause of injury deaths among older
adults, reports CDC.
To help prevent falls, here are some ideas to reduce
hazards and maintain your strength, balance and vision.
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Don’t go barefoot. Always wear shoes—not slippers—
both inside and outside the house.
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Keep clutter to a minimum. Arrange furniture so that
there’s a clear walkway. Keep objects off the floor and
electrical cords next to the wall so that you won’t trip over
them. Remove throw rugs or small area rugs.
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On the stairs, fix loose or uneven steps. Install sturdy
handrails on both sides of the stairway, and keep it
clutter-free. Make sure there’s plenty of light at the top
and bottom.
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In the bathroom, use a nonslip mat on the tub or
shower floor. Install grab bars next to the tub and toilet.
If you’re prone to falling, use a shower chair.
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Exercise regularly to improve strength, coordination
and balance.
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Use a cane or walker if you’re unsteady.
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Have your vision checked at least once a year, and
update your eyeglasses when needed.
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See your doctor if you’re having trouble with balance
or dizziness.
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Have your doctor review your prescription and over-
the-counter medications. Side effects could include diz-
ziness or sleepiness, which could contribute to falls.
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Get up slowly after sitting or lying down.
Now more than ever, concussions—and their risks—are
making headlines. You don’t have to follow football to
be aware that NFL players have had life-altering problems
after repeat concussions.
✦
But beyond headlines, how
HEADING OFF A
CONCUSSION
If you suspect someone has a concussion,
bring the person to our Urgent Care center or
emergency department for an evaluation.
Could it be a
concussion?
Concussion signs and symp-
toms can start right after a
blow to the head—or hours or
days later. They include:
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Balance problems.
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■
Blurry vision.
■
■
Changes in mood or
behavior—for example,
irritability.
■
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Confusion.
■
■
Dazed appearance.
■
■
Dizziness.
■
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Headache.
■
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Loss of consciousness—
even briefly.
■
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Nausea.
■
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Problems remembering or
concentrating.
■
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Sensitivity to light or noise.
■
■
Slow response to
questions.
If you have any of these
signs or symptoms, stop all
activity and alert a doc-
tor right away. Athletes
shouldn’t get back in the
game without a doctor’s OK.
And call 911 if:
■
These
symptoms are severe or
getting worse.
■
One pupil is
bigger than the other.
■
The
injured person can’t recog-
nize people or places, has
seizures or keeps vomiting.
Sources: American Academy of Family
Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
much do you really know about
concussions? There’s misinforma-
tion out there—for example, that
you haven’t had a concussion unless
you pass out. The reality: Most
people with concussions never lose
consciousness.
This may surprise you too:
Athletes and people playing
sports aren’t the only ones at risk
for concussions. Falls are a com-
mon cause of concussions—and
they can happen to everybody,
from toddlers on playgrounds to
older adults with balance prob-
lems. Car crashes can also cause
concussions.
DAMAGED BRAIN CELLS
A con-
cussion is a type of brain injury
that’s caused by a blow to the head
or hit to the body that makes the
head and brain move rapidly back
and forth. This can harm brain
cells.
Most people recover completely
from concussions. But you should
take every concussion seriously.
Some cause lasting changes in
thinking, learning and memory.
And having more than one concus-
sion raises the risk of long-term
problems.
That’s why it’s crucial to take
preventive steps:
Ride safe.
Even on short trips,
always wear a seat belt and keep
kids safe in car seats, in booster
seats or with seat belts—whichever
is right for their age.
Wear proper headgear.
Helmets
are a must for activities like bik-
ing, playing contact sports, skiing,
snowboarding, and using in-line
skates or skateboards.
Make surroundings safe for
seniors.
Remove tripping hazards
like throw rugs and clutter.
Be par ticular about play-
grounds.
Kids should only play
on ones with shock-absorbing
surfaces, such as mulch.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
National Institutes of Health
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