Principle for Optimum Health: Do not ignore symptoms…don't be presumptuous regarding your health. If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury or illness; have been diagnosed with a disease process or if you are pregnant, nursing or desiring to become pregnant; you should consult with the healthcare provider of your choice before embarking upon any new health regimen.
Fall risks are a concern at any age, but especially among the older population. In 2003, Congress established the Elder Fall Prevention Act. Its goal was to "expand and intensify programs with respect to research and related activities concerning elder falls."
The findings of Congress that resulted in this Act were:
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Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among individuals who are over 65 years of age
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By 2030, the population of individuals who are 65 years of age or older will double. By 2050, the population of individuals who are 85 years of age or older will quadruple.
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In 2000, falls among elderly individuals accounted for 10,200 deaths and 1,600,000 emergency room visits.
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Sixty percent of fall-related death occur among individuals who are 75 years of age or older.
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Twenty-five percent of elderly persons who sustain a hip fracture die within 1 year.
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Hospital admissions for hip fractures among the elderly have increased from 231,000 admissions in 1988 to 332,000 in 1999. The number of hip fractures is expected to exceed 500,000 by 2040.
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Annually, more than 64,000 individuals who are over 65 years of age sustain a traumatic brain injury as a result of a fall. (See last edition's article, "HEADS UP! Learn the facts regarding concussions.").
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Annually, 40,000 individuals who are over 75 years of age visit emergency departments with traumatic brain injuries suffered as a result of a fall, of which 16,000 of these individuals are hospitalized and 4,000 of these individuals die.
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The rate of fall-induced traumatic brain injuries for individuals who are 80 years of age or older increased by 70 percent from 1989 to 1998.
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The estimated total cost for non-fatal traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations for falls in individuals who are 65 years of age or older is more than $3,250,000,000. Two-thirds of these costs occurred among individuals who were 75 years of age or older.
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The costs to Medicare and Medicaid programs and society as a whole from falls by elderly persons continue to climb much faster than inflation and population growth. Direct costs alone will exceed $32,000,000,000 in 2020.
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Refer to the Act for more information.
The Elder Fall Prevention Act was designed to encourage and support research to "develop, implement, and evaluate the most effective approaches to reducing falls…" The question remains, though…how do you and I incorporate the lofty ideals of the Elder Fall Prevention Act into our everyday-living situations? How do you and I protect our loved ones from a potentially serious injury from a fall?
The fall prevention check list below is provided by the CDC:
Floors:
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When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture?
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Place furniture against the wall so the paths remain clear.
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Do you have throw rugs on the floor?
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Remove rugs or use double-sided tape or non-slip backing so rugs won't slip.
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Are there papers, book, towels, shoes, magazines, boxes blankets, or other objects on the floor?
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Keep objects off the floor and out of the walk areas.
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Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp, telephone, or extension cords)?
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Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall and, if needed, have an electrician put in another outlet.
Stairs and Steps:
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Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs?
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Keep objects off stairs.
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Are some steps broken or uneven?
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Repair broken or uneven steps.
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Are you missing a light over the stairway or only one light switch (only at the top or at the bottom of the stairs)?
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Have an electrician install an overhead light and/or an additional light switch at either the top or bottom of the stairs.
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Has the stairway light bulb burned out?
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Replace bulb immediately.
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Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?
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Repair carpet or remove and attach non-slip rubber treads to stairs.
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Are the handrails loose or broken? Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs?
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Fix handrail…make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs.
Kitchen:
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Are the things you use often on high shelves?
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Commonly used items should be kept about waist level.
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Is your step stool unsteady?
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Never use a chair as a step stool…step stool should have a bar to hold onto.
Bathrooms:
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Is the tub or shower floor slippery?
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Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the tub/shower's floor.
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Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub or up from the toilet?
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Have a carpenter put grab bars inside the tub and next to the toilet.
Bedrooms:
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Is the light near the bed hard to reach?
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Place a lamp close to the bed, within reach.
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Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?
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Put in a night-light.
Other things you can do to prevent falls:
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Exercise regularly.
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Have your healthcare provider or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy.
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Have your visions checked at least once a year by an eye doctor. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.
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Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.
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Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
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Improve the lighting in your home. Put in brighter light bulbs. Florescent bulbs are bright and cost less to use.
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It's safest to have uniform lighting in a room. Add lighting to dark areas. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
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Paint a contrasting color on the top edge of all steps so that you can see the stairs better.
Most falls can be prevented. Remember, it is your health…your life…live responsibly!
Until next time, Beloved Reader, it is my prayer that you prosper in all things and be healthy in all aspects of life - body, mind and spirit! (Personalized for you from 3 John 1:2)
For more information on Pam, natural health alternatives, integrative medicine and/or to receive her free newsletter, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com>.
Pam Anderson has earned the credentials of Doctor of Naturopathic Ministry and has actively worked in the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse for 31 years. She is an Ordained Minister. Pam sees her role as a teacher or consultant. She believes in the body's innate, God-given, natural ability to heal itself when given an appropriate internal and external environment. Her years of experience in the ministry, medicine, and natural health field enables her to counsel individuals, couples and/or families on the principles for life, health and wellness of body, mind (soul) and spirit as established in God's Word. Pam, along with her husband, Ron Anderson, operates several natural health clinics. They travel the country as motivational speakers. They have been married for 37 years.
