Fall Prevention Tips: Part 2

[Guest Prosoft Admin]

Last week I introduced you to the causes and outcomes of Falls. 

As infants, we are like Gumby in that we seem to bounce back from falling over with no apparent issues. But as we age and usually after we pass the 6th decade of our lives, our bodies just don't have that elasticity. 

The next two articles will describe your possible medical and home intervention.  As in the first article, if you even know who Gumby is ...you may read this with renewed interest!

Check with your doctor on the following conditions: 

Vision:  Your eyes are closely tied to your balance. Your eyes give your brain feedback on your body’s position. If your vision has been getting blurry, the information to your nervous system will be inaccurate, or incomplete.  Have your eyes retested.  Wear your glasses when you need them. Be careful with bi- or tri- focal lenses on stairs or uneven surfaces. 

You will have to look down to see through the proper portion of your glasses. Your lenses may make objects appear closer than they really are, so moving slowly is a good strategy.

Hearing: If you are missing out on the sounds around you that may protect you, you may not even know it. Usually, you can tell that you are starting to have difficulty in a room full of people, or on the phone.  You will start straining to hear clearly, maybe set your TV volume very high, or start avoiding the phone, or crowded gatherings.  Rely on someone close, and if they say you should have your hearing checked, believe them.  Hearing loss will also affect your balance.  There are so many new advances in hearing loss and correction now, you will be surprised! Ask your doctor.

Orthostatic Blood Pressure: This is when you change positions or levels (laying down to sitting up, sit to stand) and your body doesn’t react appropriately so you get dizzy, or temporarily light headed. Taking multiple medications daily can also cause this, but I am referring here specifically to an inability of your nervous system to control pressure changes in your arteries and veins.  It may help to squeeze your hand and leg muscles a few times before getting up, and then get up slowly.  If you are still getting light headed, consult your doctor.

Drug interaction:  More than four medications daily is the standard issue.  Check with your doctor yearly on the medications you are taking and any interactions that may be causing you difficulty.

Urinary tract infection: alert your doctor immediately if you suspect a UTI.  Symptoms can include fever, pain in the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone, or below the navel, burning when urinating, blood in the urine, sleep disturbances or fatigue as a result of increased bathroom trips at night, or sudden overnight changes in your ability to think or remember.  The changes mentioned here can increase risk of falling. These are treatable by your doctor.

Remind your Doctor:

·  About any fall you have had

· If you have weakness in one or both legs, or other leg problems

·  If you use an assistive device such as a cane or walker

·  About any other medical problem you have ie: heart, blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, or neurological.

·  About any sickness that has left you laying down for more than a week

After your doctor’s assessment, they may recommend:

·  Modifying your medication dosages

·  A medical check on your symptoms

·  Vision or hearing referral

·  Physical Therapy for balance and strengthening

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS!

Once your medical issues have been addressed, Peak Performance PT can help address those issues like strength and balance! Working your strength and balance has been shown to prevent falls!!!   We can assist you with how to fall proof your house, and work with you on different strategies if you do end up on the ground.

We want you to be able to do those things that you love like hiking, walking, dancing, biking, or playing with your grandchildren. 

We want you to be able to do the things necessary things to keep your house in order like raking, laundry, negotiating stairs, gardening, or washing your kitchen floor.

Feel free to contact us about a relative, spouse, or yourself if you feel that your balance and/or strength are limiting you from living the life you want!  

I would love to help you to help yourself.    

Karen Napierala PT, AT, MS, CAFS 

Call 218-0240