PREVENT FALLS AND GET BACK IN BALANCE

September is Fall Prevention Month

 

More than 25% of people aged 65 years and older will fall each year. Falls are the most common cause of both traumatic brain injury and fractures in older adults and are the leading cause of unintentional death for this population.  In older adults, accidental falls are associated with low physical functioning, reduced postural and gait stability, slow righting and equilibrium responses and orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure).

 

A fall can be defined as an event that results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level.  People often deny falling. 

 

The common causes of falls are vision and hearing changes, dizziness, lower-extremity muscle weakness, loss of flexibility, pain, functional deficits in proprioception (sensory changes), balance, and walking. Comorbidities such as vestibular disorders, stroke, head injury, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis or dementia can lead to falls. Musculoskeletal disorders such as low back and neck pain and Cardiovascular conditions can lead to a fall.

 

Physical therapists play a vital role in all stages of fall prevention management by addressing strength, flexibility, endurance, balance and ambulation concerns.  As part of a health team, Physical therapists address negative effects of polypharmacy, incontinence and urgency (bowel and bladder), frailty, and the safety in home and community environments. 

 

The key is prevention. Are you concerned about falling or someone you know who has fallen?  Call today for a Discovery Visit with Dr. Ann H. Newstead, PT, DPT, PhD at 210-833-8336

HOW TO LIVE TO BE 100

How to live to be 100 – and stay in Balance!

As I was out running the other day I began to think of my personal goal to live to be 103. When I mention this to people, some cringe, some smile, and others tell me all about the people that they know who have lived a long healthy life. Of course most who want to live to be 100 want to be independent and free of disability. The key is to start early – most likely when we are children.

Here are some take aways for you:

  1. Have a purpose:  know why you you wake up in the morning
  2. Take a breaK: once weekly, take some time for yourself. Get away from everything for 24 hours every week (e.g. take a nature walk, pray, read)
  3. Stay active: especially in the morning by engaging in physical activity that is integrated into your day (regular low intensity activity allows you to life longer with vigor)
  4. Eat wisely: Eating more veggies has been associated with men and women who live longer lives (e.g. Omega 3, plant-based diet, wine with polyethanols [antioxidants], low caloric intake)
  5. Engage with a positive attitude: Join a Community with people who you can support and be supported.