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Take Steps to Avoid Falls
When you see people
tumble on TV, it can be
funny. But in reality, falling
is no laughing matter. "For older
people, especially, accidental falls
can lead to serious injury, disability,
and even death," says Stephen J. Martino, M.D., medical director of
the Comprehensive Stroke Center
at Jersey Shore University Medical
Center. "That's why the American
Academy of Neurology recently established
new guidelines to help both
doctors and patients prevent falls."
Who's at Risk?
Each year, nearly 1.8 million people
visit emergency departments and 16,000 people die as the result of accidental
falls. The majority of these cases
involve a person who is 64 or older.
"While there is no question that
advancing age is a big risk factor for
falls, researchers have found that certain
conditions put some at even greater
risk," says Dr. Martino. He names the
following as specific dangers:
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Walking and balance disorders
- Muscle weakness in the legs and feet
- Use of assistive devices to get around
- A history of falling in the past year
- Vision problems
New Screening Guidelines
The American Academy of
Neurology's new guidelines
encourage an open dialogue
between doctors and patients
about falls. This means discussing
your own risk
factors whenever
you visit with
your doctor.
"For example, inform your doctor
if you have fallen in the past year,"
explains Dr. Martino. "He or she may
want to perform screening tests to
evaluate your risk of falling again."
If you're at risk of falling, your doctor
will likely recommend prevention
measures such as getting regular physical
activity and ridding your home of
hazards such as throw rugs. Here are
some other things you can do to avoid
a fall:
- Get your doctor's permission to
begin a regular exercise program.
"Exercises that improve balance and
coordination, such as Tai Chi, are
very helpful," says Dr. Martino.
- Have your vision checked by an eye
doctor at least once a year.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to
review all your medicines, which may
be causing dizziness or confusion.
- Make your home safer. "For
example, clear the floor of clutter,
improve the lighting around stairs
and other hazardous spots, and
install grab bars in the bathroom,"
Dr. Martino adds.
- Always wear supportive, low-heeled
shoes.
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