Attention Seniors! Most falls can be prevented

Released on = July 25, 2006, 1:59 pm

Press Release Author = Orbit Medical

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = According to the 1998 National Health Interview Survey, the
majority (55%) of fall injuries among older people occurred inside the house,
whereas an additional (23%) occurred outside but near the house and (22%) occurred
away from the home.

Press Release Body = Attention: Seniors! Most falls can be prevented
According to the 1998 National Health Interview Survey, the majority (55%) of fall
injuries among older people occurred inside the house, whereas an additional (23%)
occurred outside but near the house and (22%) occurred away from the home (Kochera,
2002). Other seniors that live in units without stairs are still victim of falling
in hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. In the western United
States last year alone had 1.3 million seniors hospitalized due to falling related
injuries .
A major or minor fall can dramatically change a person's life. Major falls can
result in hip fractures, head injuries or even death. In minor falls a person can
develop fear of engaging in daily activities, interacting with neighbors or family,
feeling unsafe in their own homes, and traveling out doors. In many cases, those
who have experienced a fall have a hard time recovering and their overall health
deteriorates. Statistics show...1
. More than 40% of people hospitalized from hip fractures do not return home and are
not capable of living independently again
. 25% of those who have fallen pass away each year
. On average, two older adults die from fall-related injuries every day in the
United States
There are many causes that can be attributed to seniors falling. The following list
describes some factors that have been researched in many studies and are associated
with falls in seniors.
. Gait or balance disorder
. Visions impairments
. Multiple daily medications (i.e., anti depressants medication, cardiovascular
medication, no steroidal anti-inflammatory medication)
. Diabetes
. Being over the age of 75
The good news is that falls can be prevented! Studies have shown that seniors who
are educated about the causes and solutions to falling are much less likely to
experience fatal or health injuring falls. The first step to preventing a fall is
to talk to your healthcare provider and discuss what may be putting your at risk of
falling. Once you have an idea of some of the risks and how you might be affected,
you can work with your doctor or another health care professional, to modify your
lifestyle and living arrangements to prevent falls.
Earlier in this article one of the side effects of minor falls was addressed, it was
the fear of an unsafe home. Some environments for seniors can be very hazardous.
Many obstacles can be found in the bathroom, kitchen, and stairways. There are also
many obstacles outside of the home such as: uneven or cracked sidewalks, curbs, and
steps. By making changes to the home a person can feel less at risk of falling.
For example, the bathroom can become much safer by installing a grab bar in the
shower, or installing a shower seat to sit on. Another option for seniors to solve
their mobility problems is checking with their health insurance provider and seeing
if their plan covers mobility equipment, such as an electric wheelchair. If there
are serious risks of injury, this could be sufficient medical necessity to obtain
pre-approval from one's medical insurance provider.
Orbit Medical is a leading provider of electric wheelchairs in the United States.
Orbit Medical has helped thousands improve their mobility and transform their lives
by providing them with electric wheelchairs. If you are suffering from decreased
mobility, an electric wheelchair for little or no cost to you*, might be the
solution to help you regain your independence. For more information about the
products and services that Orbit Medical offers please contact us at 1-800-388-0957
or www.orbitmedical.com


Web Site = http://www.orbitmedical.com

Contact Details = Orbit Medical
716 E. 4500 So. Suite 250
Salt Lake City, UT 84107\\
Lennie Torres
Office: (801) 713-4154
Fax: (866) 713-5454
Email: ltorres@orbitmedical.com

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