When Should I be Worried About Falls?

First, let’s simply say that a fall is any UNPLANNED, downward motion that you are not in control of.  Second, it’s a given that all people will slip, trip, stumble or fall…regardless of age.  The difference between people is how they react to the incident.

An active body that encounters a trip will be more likely to move in such a way as to prevent the trip from becoming a fall.  An inactive body is more likely NOT to keepthe fall, and subsequent injury, from happening.   

We used to think only OLD people fall.   In years past, an old person was one with white or gray hair.  Then along came celebrities like Phil Donahue, James Brolin, Lady Gaga, Pink, George Clooney, John Slattery, Sharon Stone, and others who remind us that gray or white is just a color…NOT a ticket to the nearest nursing home!  Now, medical studies show us that falling is our body’s way of telling us that something is wrong…like a fever tells us that we may have a cold, flu or other infection.

We know that someone who experiences episodes of dizziness, or routinely takes more than 4 daily medications, or has had 1 or more falls within the prior 12 months is at a high risk for a fall injury.  We also know that about 75% of folks over age 70 experience decline in the parts of the body that provide input to the brain’s balance function…which creates falls injury situations.

So…When Should You Worry About Falls?....Before It Happens!!!! If you are concerned, then you should say something to your significant other, your son or daughter, your doctor and get a FALL RISK ASSESSMENT as soon as possible. 
If you are the friend, son or daughter, or significant other…and you have noticed that Mom or Dad has had some unsteady moments…tell them you are concerned.

Falls injury is the number 1 cause of injury for people over age 65.  Over 30% of older fallers sustain a traumatic brain injury.  Falls are the 5th leading cause of death among older adults.   In today’s society, there is no reason why we should lose a loved one to a fall related injury.  With a simple assessment process, a diagnosis and treatment plan can give a whole new life to people of any age, who have trouble with dizziness or balance issues.

Mike

http://www.fallpreventionclinics.com