Well - Spring 2012 - (Page 13)

Education and Exercise Help Prevent Falls UNC Health Care works to lower a common risk of injuries in older adults HaNNaH DixoN aND StepHeN R. WeRk CoNtRibUteD to tHiS aRtiCle. F alls are the leading cause of fatal injuries among North Carolinians ages 65 and older and account for more than 40,000 emergency room visits per year, according to the North Carolina Division of Public Health. UNC Health Care’s Center for Aging and Health works to minimize falls among older adults by providing geriatric education and training through the Carolina Geriatric Education Center. The Center seeks to improve the health of the state’s aging adults and partners with the North Carolina Falls Prevention Coalition to study the role exercise can play in fall prevention. Age increases the risk for falling for a number of reasons. These include physical and/or cognitive deficits such as vision or balance, medication side effects, dizziness and potentially unsafe home environments. As we age, our senses dim and our nervous system begins to deteriorate. The combination of these factors increases the risk of falls significantly. patients, the UNC Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation can work with patients and their families to develop a treatment plan for getting back on their feet after a fall. For patients who have been seriously injured, the department offers an inpatient unit as well as subacute nursing home facilities for rehabilitation care. Enhancing Balance, Preventing Falls Common Causes Falls can occur anywhere, but most occur in the home. Climbing stairs, getting out of the bathtub, walking in poor lighting, or tripping over a rug can all lead to falls for older adults. Many older adults are less active now than when they were younger. This sedentary lifestyle often leads to muscle weakness, which can reduce balance and lead to falls. Some medical conditions that are common in old age, such as heart disease, diabetes and thyroid conditions, can also affect balance. Even with prevention, falls do occur, and older patients require specific treatment to help them recover. For those “A lack of balance is common as our vestibular [balance] system ages with time,” says Paul Thananopavarn, MD, assistant professor in the UNC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “Keeping fit and healthy is the best way to prevent falls and enhance balance, and older adults should exercise daily with a focus on balance.” Getting regular exercise improves overall physical condition, making falls less likely. It strengthens muscles and improves agility and balance. For individuals who live independently in their homes, balance training is the most effective way to prevent a fall. “Walking is an essential and universal form of exercise that helps older adults maintain better balance and strength, which are highly important in preventing falls,” says Cristine Clarke, EdD, coordinator at the Carolina Geriatric Education Center. “In addition to improving cardiac function, circulation and memory, walking keeps us moving and on our toes.” Mall walking, Dr. Clarke suggests, is one ideal exercise for older adults to help prevent falls because it is simple and easier on joints, and incorporates fitness as a social experience. “Integrating exercise into an established routine and already pleasurable activity, such as visiting a mall, is a very valuable approach, and one that is undergoing considerable study,” she says. “We’re looking at how we can make exercise for seniors more engaging and seamless, rather than something that interrupts your day or is viewed more as a chore.” One of the most important things people can do to help their loved ones who are at risk of falling accidents is to make their environments as safe as possible, even if that means having an expert assess the homes to look for fall hazards. Also, encourage older family members to find some kind of regular exercise routine that will help maintain their balance and strength. Preventing falling injuries in seniors is a very important health concern. Resources UNC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation www.med.unc.edu/phyrehab UNC Geriatric Specialty Clinic at the Carolina Geriatric Education Center www.med.unc.edu/aging/cgec For More Information To learn more about fall prevention and other education opportunities for seniors, visit the Carolina Geriatric Education Center website at www.med.unc.edu/aging/cgec. www.unchealthcare.org 13 http://www.med.unc.edu/phyrehab http://www.med.unc.edu/aging/cgec http://www.med.unc.edu/aging/cgec http://www.unchealthcare.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Well - Spring 2012

Well - Spring 2012
UNC Health Care News
Community
Tar Heel Team Builder Bike Ride
From Hospital to Home
Actively Retired
Nutrition
Education and Exercise Help Prevent Falls
Calendar

Well - Spring 2012