Help Prevent Falling – Part I

This is an excellent article from Andelcare in Bellevue, Washington.

Marla’s Musings – used with permission from Andelcare andelcare.com.

It was very easy to decide on the theme for this newsletter. Last week I spent a day with my Mom. We went to her financial planner, visited in the office with the Andelcare staff, went out to lunch and did some shopping. On our drive home she mentioned how this was one of the best days she has had in a long time. Then within seconds that all changed when she tripped on her way into her condo, fell and hit her head. It happened so fast that even though I and another person were inches from my Mom we couldn’t catch her.

After the medics controlled the bleeding we spent a long night at the emergency room. After many exams and tests she ended up with stitches to a nine inch gash in her head.   She spent several nights in the hospital and is now home (with help from Andelcare caregivers).  It will take months for her to get back into shape with the help of a physical therapist and hopefully there will be no long term effects. It was very traumatic for both of us.

Falling is the leading cause of unintentional injury at home among Americans 65 and older. Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever and we all want them to enjoy themselves, free from debilitating injury for as long as possible. Hopefully, the steps listed in the article below will help you and your family members to remain active for many years.

4 Simple Steps to Prevent Falling:   by Sharon O’Brien, About.com Guide

How to Reduce Your Risk of Injury from Falling

Did you know that falling down is the leading cause of injury death for Americans age 65 and older? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year 35 to 40 percent of older adult Americans fall at least once.  Falling down is not just the result of getting older. Falling can be caused by a variety of circumstances, and many falling mishaps can be prevented. Here are 4 simple steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk of injury by falling down:

#1  Improve Your Body Balance with Exercise to Prevent Falling

  • If you don’t have a regular exercise program, start one. Lack of exercise leads to weakness, and that increases your chances of falling. Exercise can improve your body balance and flexibility at any age, and increasing body balance and flexibility is especially important for people over 50. Having a regular exercise program is also one of the most important ways that people over 50 can reduce their risk of falling. Exercise also makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Try exercises that improve balance and coordination, like Yoga and Tai Chi. Because you work at your own level, these exercises are often suitable for people of any age.
  •  If you are over 50 and haven’t exercised regularly, check with your health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

Note:  Also check out “Learn not to Fall.”  Look for the additional ‘steps’ in the next Blog

                                      “You may give out, but never give up”  Mary Crowley