As the holiday season approaches, you probably have a lot on your to-do list — holiday parties and gatherings, shopping for gifts, and vacations — and all that hustle and bustle, good and bad, could come to a screeching stop by a fall injury. When you’re younger, falling may be nothing more than a bit embarrassing. However, as we get older it can be startling, upsetting, and life changing.
Falls are a serious health issue among seniors, and unfortunately, falls are a common occurrence. According to the National Council on Aging, every 11 seconds a senior is treated in the emergency department for a fall, and one in four Americans over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year. The holiday season, which often means colder temps, snow, and ice in North Central Pa.
, is a great time to highlight the importance of understanding what causes falls and how to avoid them. It’s true that as we age our chances of having a fall increase, but falls are not inevitable. Risk factors that can affect a person of any age include: n Weak muscles, especially in the legs n Poor balance, causing unsteadiness on your feet n Dizziness or lightheadedness n History of blackouts, fainting, or loss of consciousness n Foot problems, including pain and deformities n Memory loss, confusion, or difficulties with thinking or problem-solving n Vision and hearing problems n Taking medication that makes you dizzy or drowsy Fall prevention is about identifying and managing the risks related to your heal.
