FALL PREVENTION ISSUE
Fall Prevention 101
As we get older, the chances of suffering from a fall increase. The severity of a fall can range widely. Some falls can cause minor disability, while others can have more serious consequences. Chances are that someone you know may be at risk for a fall.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 seniors above age 65, and nearly 1 in 2 seniors over age 80, will fall at least once a year, leading to disability. This is not something that should be taken lightly.
Here's the good news. Once you identify your (or your loved one's) risk of falls, there are steps you can take to prevent falls.
Here are a few tips to help you identify whether you or your loved one is at risk for a serious fall:
1. Are you taking multiple medications? Some medications, when mixed, can have side effects like nausea that could increase your risk of falling. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor.
2. Do you have trouble walking? If you regularly experience dizziness, shortness of breath, joint pain, or any other difficulties when you walk, talk to your doctor.
Read more...
Before the Fall
Fall Prevention Program
More people rush to emergency rooms for injuries related to falling than from any other cause, and they're the primary cause of accidental death in people over the age of 65. 33% of Canadians over the age of 65 fall each year. As we age the injuries we sustain from falls become more severe, which is why falls are the cause of 70 percent of accidental deaths in people aged 75 years and older.
Falls in the elderly is a big and growing problem. Action Sport Physio West Island is proud to offer a Fall Risk Assessment and Conditioning program. It is a structured program that consists of 8 visits over an 8 week period. Sessions are available at the clinic or in the comfort of your own home.
Read more...
Prevention of Injuries
Prevention of injuries is the ongoing science of identifying risk factors, causes, mechanisms and specific populations at risk. Evaluating and analyzing these statistical risk factors allow specialists to develop specialized programs to help reduce the possibility of an injury occurring.
As an example, a statistical analysis of female college athlete injuries identified a large number of Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries as compared to male athletes. Pre-competition preventive exercise programs have helped reduce the risk. More recently several professional associations such as the NFL, CFL and NHL have indentified that concussions are becoming more and more frequent. Each association has taken the necessary steps with rule changes, awareness programs, better concussion management and equipment enhancement to help reduce the risk to players.
Read more...
