Seniors Should Prepare to Prevent Winter-Related Falls
Philadelphia, PA, December 21, 2004 - Bruises, sprains and even broken bones are serious injuries that seniors might face every winter due to the season's freezing
rain, wet snow and slippery ice. And the results can be overwhelming: hospital-stays, physical therapy as well as an abrupt
decline in health and quality of life are all possibilities after an older family member, friend or neighbor falls this winter.
However, there are preventive methods that can be used.
According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), one in three people 65 years of age and older
fall each year, regardless of season. In fact, for older individuals, falls are the most common cause of hospital trauma admissions
and injuries.
Richard Grant, MD, Acting Chairman of the Division of Geriatrics at Albert Einstein Medical Center, has seen the effects that
winter falls can have on older adults and encourages seniors and their loved ones to take precautionary measures to try to
avoid them.
Exercise - The NCIPC recommends that individuals 65 years of age and older talk to their physician about exercising to improve their
strength, coordination and balance. Improvements in these areas are important in preventing falls.
Get Enough Calcium - "Although calcium doesn't help prevent falls it can make the damage from a fall less, by preventing osteoporosis. And,
in fact, the vitamin D that is included in the best calcium supplement tablets actually does seem to decrease falls, probably
because of a good effect on muscle," says Dr. Grant.
Put Salt Down Where Needed - "Many older people slip and fall on outside steps and walkways which should have been salted. Putting salt down on ice
can lessen the chances of a fall and an injury," says Dr. Grant.
Shovel As Soon As Possible - If snow isn't shoveled immediately after it falls, a dangerous layer of ice can form on top. Not to mention that if you
wait to shovel, it will be much more difficult to get all of it. In fact, an invisible sheet of ice may be waiting for you
on the bottom, warns Dr. Grant.
Don't Go Out Unless You Need To - "Depending on the physical health of the individual, it may be fine to go out of the house whenever possible; however,
for some seniors, only leaving the home when it's necessary should be considered. The less you are out in the dangerous weather,
the less likely you are to fall in it. But, when you do go out, try to get as much accomplished as you can, at one time. For
instance, if you have to go to the supermarket, try to get as many groceries as possible in that one trip," says Dr. Grant. "And,
if you can, have someone to help carry them in."
Leverage Yourself - If you do go out and are faced with a strip of ice or snow, Dr. Grant suggests using your surroundings to your advantage.
Grab onto a railing, put more weight on the walker or hold onto a friend more tightly. All of these things can help hold you
up and prevent a nasty fall.
Wear Proper Shoes - "We all want to look our best, but wearing dress shoes in the winter is a dangerous habit. Shoes with heels and no traction
make it difficult to keep your balance, especially on ice and snow. When outside, wear snow boots or other appropriate shoes,"
encourages Dr. Grant.
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein
Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab,
Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations. Einstein
also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare. For more information, visit
www.einstein.edu or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.
Publish date: December 21, 2004
