Are You at Risk of a Fall? The #1 Risk of Injury for the Elderly — And How to Prevent It
T hough it doesn’t get a lot of public attention, balance problems are a serious issue plaguing our country’s elderly people. Statistics show that more than 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 take a dangerous tumble every year, leading to all kinds of problems, from broken bones to tragic, fatal injuries. What’s worse, less than half of these elderly patients let their doctor know about the incident or seek help for their poor balance, even though after falling once, patients are twice as likely to fall again — often with much more dire consequences. These factors all combine into a perfect storm, making falls the No. 1 cause of death from injury among the elderly. There’s no denying these facts paint a harrowing picture for elderly folks and their loved ones. Luckily, there is some very good news: Most falls are preventable!
As people age, their physical strength decreases, and the vestibular system,
responsible for maintaining balance begins to degenerate. It’s also common for injuries or issues to arise that interfere with a patient’s normal gait, making it even more difficult to stay upright. In addition, many elderly patients need to take medications to maintain their health, some of which come with side effects that inhibit balance. Though many of these risk factors are difficult to avoid, studies show that a guided exercise program focused on improving strength, mobility, range of motion, and balance can have tremendous benefit in preventing falls before they become an issue. At Madden Physical Therapy, our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping our patients stay firmly on their feet. Our comprehensive fall prevention program
starts with an assessment of the patient’s current condition and risk of fall. Then, we target specific areas for treatment, guiding patients through a set of light exercises tailored to their precise needs. After just a few sessions, patients will begin to experience the immense benefits of improved balance. By the time they’re done with treatment, they can have total peace of mind knowing that their risk of falling has been dramatically curbed. There’s no need for you or someone you love to live in fear of falling down. Call the experts at Madden Physical Therapy today at 717.901.9487 , and take the first step toward improved balance and well-being!
Inspired by wholesomelicious.com
Balsamic Chicken WITH BACON AND APPLES
LAUGH OUT LOUD
Ingredients
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1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into pieces 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
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10 ounces Brussels sprouts, halved, stems removed 2 apples, cored, peeled, and coarsely chopped
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1/2 cup olive oil Juice of 1/2 lemon
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6 slices bacon, cut into squares
2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/4 cup rosemary, finely chopped
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Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
3 www.MaddenPT.com • 717.901.9487 2. Heat oven to 375 F. Spread Brussels sprouts, bacon, and apples on a baking sheet. Add chicken and pour any extra marinade over the top. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Bake 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through. For extra crunchiness, turn the heat up to 425 F for the last 5 minutes. 4. Transfer to platter and serve immediately. 1. Blend balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon, rosemary, and garlic to create marinade. Pour into bowl or sealable bag and add chicken. Marinate for at least 5 minutes or up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
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