Better Balance Begins with You
Staying safe and strong as you age often come down to one thing: reducing the risk for falls. “Falls, especially among the elderly, are the number one cause of trauma-related injury” says David Scaff, DO, Medical Director of Grand View Health’s Level II Trauma Center. “With lifestyle changes, education and changes around the home, people can reduce their risk of falling, but it takes some effort.”
Osteoporosis, a naturally occurring condition that creates brittle bones as we age, raises the risk of fractures. So do chronic health conditions like hypertension, arthritis and diabetes. And balance disorders like Parkinson’s disease, vertigo and BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, caused by crystals in the ear that become dislodged), make falls more likely, too.
While many older adults can’t avoid these health problems, they can reduce their fall risks dramatically with these tips.
1. Stay Active
Regular, mild weight-bearing exercise like walking or stair climbing can help improve strength and balance while slowing bone loss.
2. Review Your Medications
Some medications that treat blood pressure, anxiety, depression and insomnia may leave you feeling dizzy or drowsy. Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist and modify them as needed.
3. Fall-proof your home
Remove all clutter. Secure throw rugs and mats with tape or non-slip pads. Install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on both sides of stairways. Install brighter lighting indoors.
4. Improve your balance
Grand View Health Physical Therapy offers a Vestibular and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation program designed to help people improve their balance and reduce falls, whether you have vertigo or feel your balance has declined. Call 215-453-3220 for an appointment.
5. If you fall and can’t get up, call 911 immediately.
The experts inside the Level II Adult Trauma Center at Grand View Health are skilled in caring for serious falls.
