Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - St. Anthony - (Page 16)

... And This One? A FallPrevention Partnership As the home of a Level I Trauma Center, St. Anthony Hospital has long made injury prevention a priority. “In Colorado, we have over 300 deaths from falls each year,” says Vicky Cassabaum, R.N., coordinator of St. Anthony’s Injury Prevention program. “We also see nearly 9,000 hospitalizations from falls for people over age 65. Through greater awareness and action, many of these falls can be prevented. The Community Fall Prevention Program is bringing together a wide range of area partners and resources to do just that.” St. Anthony Outpatient Therapy is helping prevent falls by offering free balance assessments in November. See the card between pages 8 and 9 of this issue to learn more. “Falls are often the result of several factors—loss of strength, balance issues and physical risks in the home,” says physical therapist Nate Hallahan. “A balance assessment is a great way to start reducing those risks.” Bathroom—Grab bars or slip mats Many falls happen in the bathroom, especially getting in and out of the bathtub or on and off the toilet. Correctly placed grab bars are essential. Also use nonslip mats or strips on the ﬂoor of the tub or shower. Medicine cabinet Is your medicine chest a mess? It’s time for a cleanup. Medication mix-ups may cause dizziness or confusion that can lead to a fall. Get medication dispensers and place all your pills in the compartments based on the time you need to take them. Many dispensers can be stocked a week or two at a time. ONLINe For dates, times and more facts on these FREE screenings to prevent falls, please visit stanthonyhosp.org/ balance. St. Anthony Outpatient Therapy is at 34 Van Gordon St., Suite 240, in Lakewood. Come In for a FREE Balance Assessment 16 Vim & Vigor · W I N TER 2 012 http://www.stanthonyhosp.org/balance http://www.stanthonyhosp.org/balance

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - St. Anthony

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - St. Anthony
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Community Connections
The Speed of Life
Pinpoint Precision
Because I Said So!
What’s Wrong with This Picture?
The Future Is Now
Everyday Hero
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
Johnny Be Good
In the Driver’s Seat
We’ve Got Your Back
Bank on Your Health
Virtual Health
Be a Proactive Patient
The Solitaire Strategy
Top Honors
By the Numbers
From the Foundation
Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - St. Anthony