Dr. George L. Dixon - "Talking Fitness"

Stay On Your Feet

Not for the faint of heart, this article. One third of persons over 65 fall each year. 50% do so repeatedly. Only 1% result in hip fracture, but it is awful. 15% of persons with fracture hip die within 3 months. 50% of the survivors cannot live independently. Those men who live longer and break hips have the same statistics. Can most of these fracture falls be avoided? Yes, falls are common, preventable and treatable.

There are two main causes of falls. Inside and outside factors. Inside causes are: Visual, auditory and balance problems; neurologic causes; cardiovascular, especially high or low blood pressure, or getting up too fast; psychiatric involvement such as dementia; osteoporosis and arthritis; foot deformities and sloppy shoes; urinary problems with those frequent night trips; weakness due to poor nutrition or fluid intake. Medication effects or conflicts are frequent causes and alcohol use added to any of the above can be lethal.

Outside causes of falling are: Obstacles and disrepair of home environs; weather risks; badly fitting untied shoes; isolation and other social factors.

Tell your doctor about those little falls that you have, then usually the bigger ones can be avoided. Medication review with your doctor and/or pharmacist is critical. Ask your doctor to advise about increasing your physical activity, which can be enormously helpful at any age. Walk through your home with a friend and correct those things so dangerous to your getting about safely. Light up dark areas, tape on steps. Get non-slip soles, avoid long shoelaces. No throw rugs. No slippery floors. Pay attention. No chair climbing.

Confidence and strength must be maintained, promoted and restored. T’ai Chi, or regular walks daily will help to stay on your feet.

More help is available in "Exercise a la Carte", here, at your bookstore or call 800-624-4952.