Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 53)

of fall-related deaths among older adults has risen significantly over the past 10 years. For an elder person, falls can be deadly. Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls. • • Many people who have fallen develop a fear of falling, severely limiting activities. • After a fall, people older than 75 are four to five times more likely to go to a long-term-care facility. • Falls are the sixth leading cause of death in people older than 75. • 50 percent of people will die in one year after a serious fall. Older adults have certain risk factors for falls, including leg weakness, difficulty walking, general functional impairments (arthritis, prior history of falls, vision), cognitive impairments (age 80-plus, depression), and medications (five medications or more, sedatives, antipsychotics). If you’ve fallen more than once recently or feel unsteady on your feet and have limited your activities, you can gain physical strength and learn ways to lessen the chance of falling. Education and intervention have helped to reduce falls in the elderly by 11 percent, according to the New England Journal of Medicine. This equates to more than $20 million saved in healthcare expenditures each year. Your physician can write a referral for Parrish Medical Center’s fall-prevention program at the Physical Medicine Rehab Department, near the main hospital entrance. The physician-prescribed program looks at four areas: a patient assessment, exercises to help strengthen muscles and improve posture, patient and caregiver education, and an inspection of the home environment. Falls can be prevented, or lessened, with care, understanding and a little work. If you have or a loved one has fallen recently or more than once in the past year, talk to your physician for a referral to the Parrish Medical Center fall-prevention program. By Louise Andrews, P.T., Your bones will thank you. Clinical Coordinator Balance Therapy in Action 10 Tips to Reduce Falling • Remove or secure throw rugs. • Cover wiring or lamp cords. • Exercise regularly. • Eat a calcium-rich diet. • Wear proper-fitting shoes. • Have your medication reviewed regularly by your physician. • Get your hearing and vision checked. • Limit alcohol intake. • Watch for problem areas in the home: outside steps to • entrances and inside stairs to the second floor. Install supportive features in the bathroom, such as handrails, grab bars, ramps, night lights, and easy phone access. Rachael Feagan’s balance troubles may have started with a car accident when she was in her 20s. “I didn’t have any problems for about 10 years, but then I started having back problems that have gotten progressively worse and more painful,” says Feagan, now in her mid-50s. “I know I have some hereditary degenerative spine issues as well, but I’ve been losing strength and didn’t want it to get worse. And 20-plus years of sitting in front of a computer at the space center hasn’t helped either.” Feagan’s orthopedic physician recommended balance therapy, so the Mims resident went to Parrish Medical Center. At the time this was written, Feagan had been in therapy for three weeks and could already feel the difference. “It’s been great!” she says. “I’m learning the right way to exercise and move, but I still can’t sit for long. I have to get up and move around frequently, but I’m becoming stronger, so I have better mobility.” During Feagan’s initial evaluation by physical therapist Garth Danielson, goals were set for her, which she hopes to accomplish by the end of her therapy sessions. A variety of exercises help her strengthen her leg and back muscles and give her better balance. “I’m even walking five days a week,” Feagan says. “It’s much easier now and I’m more comfortable than I have been for a long time.” VIdEo Watch a video to see if it’s time to talk to a doctor about knee replacement surgery. Visit parrishmed.com/vimandvigoronline. Then call 321-268-6750 to schedule an appointment. Need a New Knee? Vim & Vigor • Fal l 2011 53 http://www.parrishmed.com/vimandvigoronline

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Don't Be a Drowsy Driver
The Art of Nursing
Healthy Hues
The New Survivors
First (Aid) Things First
Find Your Groove
A Healthy Tune
Stay in Circulation
'X' Marks the Spot
Pregnancy Predictors
Play It Safe
What's New?
A Walking, Talking Fitness Billboard
Community Health
Special Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center