Center For Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine A Division of Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, LLC
Fall Prevention (Center for Advanced Orthopedics)
Risk of fall increases with an increase in your age; whether you fall on the road, in the garden or home itself; falling is always a frightening and life-changing experience and it is all the more scary and stressful for the people of older age or those living alone. According to a survey made by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are one of the leading causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries among the people who are 65 years of age and older.
Falls can cause serious injuries including; head injuries, forearm and shoulder fractures, pelvic, hip and spine fractures. Which risk factors make you more susceptible to fall related injuries? There are varied numbers of environmental, personal and medical risk factors that can make you more prone to fall-related injuries. By recognizing these risk factors you can save yourself and as well your loved ones’ from fall-related injuries. 1. Medical Risk Factors may include: ● Defective musculoskeletal functioning ● Irregular Heartbeat ● Osteoporosis or Arthritis ● Blood Pressure fluctuation ● Urinary & bladder dysfunction ● Hip weakness & imbalance ● Loss of vision or hearing ● Medications’ side-effects 1. Personal Risk factors: ● Inappropriate footwear ● Lack of activity ● Excessive alcohol intake ● Poor diet and not drinking enough water 1. Environmental Factors: ● Wet or slippery surfaces ● Improper Lighting ● Cluttered pathways ● Tripping hazards by pets ● Insecure area rugs and all throw rugs How can the life style modifications reduce the risk for falling? You can reduce risk for falling by maintaining your health and staying physically active. You can make following changes in your life style and can save yourself from fall-related injuries:
● Get an annual eye examination ● Go for bone-density test annually; it will help you to recognize the earlier signs of osteoporosis. ● Get your blood pressure and cardiac evaluated annually ● Eat healthy diet with adequate dietary calcium and also consume Vitamin D from food and supplements ● Go for an annual physical and as well check with your doctors about the side-effects of your medications. How can you make your home fall-proof? Researchers are of the view that easy and simple changes at home can decrease risk of falling and fall-related injuries as well. By following the below listed fall-proofing tips, you can make your home fall proof and can also save your loved ones’: 1. a) In the bathroom ● Put a rubber mat or slip-resistant rug next to your bathtub ● Use a tough plastic sheet in the bathtub ● There should be grab bars on the shower wall ● Use non-shattering material to replace glass shower enclosures ● Keep nightlight on in the bathroom 1. b) In the kitchen: ● Clean up any liquids, grease or food spilled on the floor ● Foods, dishes and cooking equipments should be stored within reach. Avoid standing on chairs or boxes to access upper cabinets ● Make use of non-skid floor wax 1. c) The Stairways: ● Keep your stairs clutter-free i.e. no packages or boxes ● Lighting should be proper so that you can properly see top and bottom landings and each stair ● Discard all throw rugs; instead use a rubber or slip resistant backing near the bottom and top of the stairs ● To increase visibility, install contrast strip on the edge of each stair ● Handrails should be installed on the both sides of the stairway
● Loose handrails, stairway carpeting and wooden boards should be repaired immediately. 1. d) In the Bedroom: ● Lamp, flashlight and telephone should be placed near your bed ● Bedroom floor should be clutter free ● Clothes should be arranged in the closet ● A night light should be installed along the passage between your bedroom and bathroom ● Use bed or sleep on a bed that is easy to get in and out. What do you if you fall? If you fall at home, especially, when you are alone at home or have been injured as result observe the following guidelines: ● Instead of extending your arms, raise your arm to save your head ● Try that you fall on your side or buttocks, so that you can roll over naturally ● After you fall, do not get up with a sudden jerk or in wrong position or you could make the injury even worse ● Initially assess the situation and decide whether your are hurt ● If there is a couch or chair nearby, try to crawl along the floor to reach them & then try to get up ● Do not try to get up on your own if you are badly injured Contact Center for Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for any of your musculoskeletal pathologies or disorders. We are dedicated to provide our patients with utmost care as per their needs and requirements.
Center for Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Waldorf | California Maryland Main Office
California Office
Cenna Center 7 Post Office Road, Suite Y Waldorf, Maryland 20602 Phone: 301-843-7663 or 301-645-5410 Fax: 301-645-7680
22858 Three Notch Road California, Maryland 20619 Phone: 301-862-7550
Visit us at :http://www.centerforadvancedorthopedics.com/