November 2012 Health Tip: Preventing Falls
This month's health tip from the Massachusetts Medical Society, the statewide association of physicians, is about peventing falls among older adults.
Falls are the leading cause of injury death and the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for adults 65 and older, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.
Each year, one in three adults 65 and older falls and 2 million seniors are treated in emergency rooms for injuries sustained by falling. Falls also account for most fractures and most traumatic brain injuries for this age group.
CDC offers these suggestions for older adults to reduce their chances of falling:
(1) Exercise regularly, with emphasis on increasing leg strength and balance;
(2) Review medicines, to identify any that can cause dizziness or drowsiness;
(3) Check eyesight annually to ensure maximum vision; and
(4) Make your home safer by installing grab bars in bathrooms and railings on stairs, improving lighting, and reducing tripping hazards such as throw rugs.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov.
The Massachusetts Medical Society, founded in 1781, is the statewide professional association for physicians and medical students.
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