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Apr 6

Preventing falls and staying healthy – Community Reporter

Exercise Programs Comments Off on Preventing falls and staying healthy – Community Reporter

West End Healthline

By Anna Dovre, MDIf youve ever lived through a Minnesota winter, youre certainly no stranger to the penguin walk, that goofy way we all adapt to icy sidewalks by takingsmall, careful, shuffling steps. But even the emperor penguins among us have a tale (and a bruise) or two from slipping and falling in wintry conditions. As welook forward to the coming spring, we can cast our eyes with hope toward drier and safer surfaces on the horizon. However, the risk of falling does not justmelt away with the dwindling snowbanks.Falls, and the injuries that can result, are a serious medical concern, and its worth taking some time to consider your own risk factors and options for fallprevention.Frequent falls can not only have detrimental impacts on your health, they can also be expensive: from frequent emergency room visits, to overnightstays in a hospital or rehab facility. If you have fallen in the past year, have had a fall-related injury or feel unsteady when standing or walking, you should beassessed by your primary care provider. Together, you can create a strategy to decrease your risk of falls, to help you feel stronger and more confident athome and ultimately to maximize your health and independence.Many factors can impact your risk of falls, including your balance, strength, blood pressure, medications, environment and your cognitive andpsychological health. Its important to make sure you are having your vision and hearing checked regularly and staying up to date on your eyeglassesprescription. If you take medications to help you sleep or improve your mood or medications that affect your blood pressure you could also be at increasedrisk of falls. Together you and your healthcare provider can work on limiting the quantity and dosages of your medications, minimizing potential druginteractions and side effects.Exercise can reduce the risk of falls in adults 60 and older by up to 15%. In addition, multiple types of exercise can reduce the risk of fall-related brokenbones by up to 30%. Physical therapy as well as individual and group exercise classes, including Tai chi or yoga, can help identify areas of weakness andfind ways to improve your balance, strength and flexibility. The Senior LinkAge Line (800-333-2433) is a free helpline through the state of Minnesota that canconnect you with a variety of supportive resources, including local exercise programs and fall prevention classes.Home is where the heart is, they say. Its also where the hazards are. Most falls happen at home and are preventable. It is important to make sure youare using the appropriate shoes and assistive devices for you, such as canes or walkers. Certain changes in your home environment can help reduce the riskof falls: having a ramp instead of stairs; smooth, durable floors that are clear of extension cords or loose rugs; grab bars that are located near any stairs,toilets, bathtubs or showers and night lights in the bedroom and/or bathroom. With some time and effort on the front end, these changes can actually saveyou money in the long term by allowing you to remain safe and independent in your own home for a longer period of time.The winter may be behind us, but there are still plenty of hazards ahead. Paying attention to your own risk factors and making some changes in your lifecan keep you safe from falls and keep you on your feet to fully enjoy the summer ahead.Dr. Anna Dovre is a family physician at Allina Health United Family Physicians, 233 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102; 651-241-5200.

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Preventing falls and staying healthy - Community Reporter

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