The High Risk of Falls

By Patty Cara

Falls Prevention Awareness Week happens each September, making it a key time to increase awareness about the impact of falls, especially among older adults. It also serves as an important opportunity to brush up on tips to help prevent injuries from falls.

While falls can happen at any age, the reality is that your risk increases with age. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year, and falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults. All too often, they result in moderate to severe injuries, including hip fractures, lacerations, and head traumas. Falls can even increase the risk of premature death. What’s more, once an older adult has fallen, it may lead to a loss of confidence, which can have a negative impact on activity levels and opportunities for socialization.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Most falls result in bumps and bruises that can often be managed at home. If swelling, discoloration, severe pain, and/or difficulty walking occur, it’s important to get immediate medical care. If someone is not waking normally after a fall or the person who fell won’t let you touch an area that was injured, they need to be seen by a medical professional.

If the person who has fallen is unconscious, or if there is a concern for a head or neck injury, call 911 immediately and do not attempt to move that person.

Learn more about South Texas Health System emergency services at southtexashealthsystem.com/er To learn more about Fall Prevention Classes, visit sthsmcallen.com/fallsafety.

Accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most medical insurance plans. The South Texas Health System Trauma & Critical Care Institute is a network of six freestanding emergency departments and four emergency rooms, including one specializing in pediatric care and another specializing in cardiac care. Part of the South Texas Health System Trauma & Critical Care Institute’s commitment to caring for residents of the Rio Grande Valley includes providing education and community outreach, including Fall Prevention Classes.

CARING FOR TRAUMATIC INJURIES

All too often, however, falls can result in traumatic injuries. According to the CDC, at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures each year. When a fall does result in a traumatic injury, it’s important to know that South Texas Health System® Clinics trauma surgeons are here to help. They are:

Carlos H. Palacio, MD, FACS

Dr. Palacio is the Director of Research for the trauma program and Director for the Advanced Trauma and Life Support course at South Texas Health System McAllen. He is also the local Program Director of the General Surgery Residency at the Valley Health System GME Consortium and an instructor for the American College of Surgeons STOP THE BLEED® class.

J. Jesus Rendon, MD, FACS, DABS

Dr. Rendon is the Associate Trauma Medical Director at South Texas Health System McAllen. He also serves as the Program Site Director for San Antonio Brooke Army Medical Center Acute Care Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship. He is committed to teaching and mentoring residents, fellows, and medical students.

LeRone Simpson, MD, FACS

Dr. Simpson is a board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Critical Care Intensivist. He has served the Rio Grande Valley since 2016 as a Trauma Surgeon at South Texas Health System McAllen. He has a continued interest in research and is involved in several ongoing clinical research projects.

Why Do We Fall?

Understanding some of the reasons for falls can help reduce your risk. These include:

Environmental risks

If you are distracted or in a hurry, it increases the odds of missing a step or curb. Be aware of uneven pavements and slippery surfaces due to ice, water, or leaves.

Internal risks

There are many internal factors that increase the risk for falls, including poor vision and impaired hearing, changes in blood pressure when standing from a sitting position, joint and foot problems, and nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and stroke.

Medication risks

Drugs that have an increased fall risk include blood pressure medications, sedatives, anti-depressants, certain painkillers, and diabetes medications. Taking multiple medications may increase your risk and should always be discussed with your physician.

Alcohol risks

Alcohol slows your reflexes and response time. It can also alter balance and cause dizziness. Consuming alcohol while taking medication multiplies the risk for falling.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov to learn more about fall prevention, including tips for avoiding falls.

Your Health. Our Purpose.

Medical emergencies, like falls, happen every day. While you can’t plan for the unexpected, you can take comfort in knowing that South Texas Health System and our affiliated physician practices, South Texas Health System Clinics, are here – ready to provide care when you need us, where you need us.

Providers with South Texas Health System Clinics deliver high-quality family medicine, health screenings, and specialized care to the residents of the Rio Grande Valley. With 28 locations Valleywide, you and your family are invited to become part of their family.

For physician referral assistance, call 956-625-1144.

To view the South Texas Health System Clinics’ provider directory or to schedule appointments online, visit sthsclinics.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who, with limited exceptions, are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The System shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Visit our website for language assistance, disability accommodations, and the nondiscrimination notice.