Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 49)

PrimeTime HealtH Steady as You Go Follow this two-step plan for protecting against falls A s we age, our sight, hearing, muscle strength, coordination and reflexes aren’t what they once were. Each year, one in three adults ages 65 and older falls. Twenty to 30 percent of these suffer moderate to severe injuries that make it hard to get around and live independently. The good news is that there are simple things you can do to help prevent most falls. Two steps that you can take to avoid preventable falls are to maintain your personal health and to create a safe home environment. • Always stand up slowly after eating, lying down or resting. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop, which can make you feel faint. • Use a cane, walking stick or walker to help you feel steadier when you walk. Hold the handrails while on stairs. Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes that fully support your feet. • Use a “reach stick” or grabbing device to reach for something that is high. 2 Make Your HoMe Safer When you’ve done all you can for your personal health, focus on shoring up your home, making it as safe an environment as possible. Here are a few ways to start: • Install handrails on both sides of all stairs, and be sure they’re tightly fastened. • Mount grab bars near toilets and on the inside and outside of your tub and shower. • Place nonskid mats or strips on all surfaces that may get wet. • Keep night lights on. • Keep electric cords near walls and away from walking paths. • Check that all carpets and area rugs are fixed firmly to the floor so they won’t slip. • Arrange your furniture (especially low tables) so you have a clear, open walking path. 1 Take Care of You When it comes to avoiding falls, the best way to prevent accidents is to take control of your health. Here are a few suggestions: • Get a bone mineral density test. Your doctor can prescribe medications that will make your bones stronger. • Plan an exercise program that is right for you. • Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of your medications, as some may affect your coordination and balance or cause dizziness. CaLL Studies show that practicing tai chi exercises is effective in preventing falls. Gwinnett Medical Center’s PrimeTime Health program provides tai chi classes, as well as health education, activities and resources of interest for adults age 50 and older. To register for these classes or to become a member of PrimeTime Health, call 678-312-5000. Tai Chi Helps You Prevent Falls Vim & Vigor • SPRI NG 2012 49

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
The Philanthropist Next Door
Special Delivery
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
A New Day
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
PrimeTime Health
Reclaiming Form and Function
Nice Follow-Through
Out of the White Coat
SPECIAL: Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center