Newsletter Health &Wellness
ARE YOU AT RISK OF SUSTAINING A FALL-RELATED INJURY?
Did you know that 1/3 of the population over 65 falls each year? Every 11 seconds, an older adult is rushed to the emergency room for a fall. Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 2.5 million adults were treated for nonfatal injuries in emergency departments in 2013. In older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. Most people don’t think about keeping their balance in shape until it is too late and they suffer a harsh fall. The good news is that most falls can easily be prevented, simply by the regular exercising of your balance system. If you have recently sustained a balance-related injury, it is important to seek the help of a physical therapist immediately, in order to avoid additional injuries in the future. It is important to note that you should also contact a physical therapist if you have any of the following symptoms: • Dizziness or vertigo (“spinning” sensations, even when remaining still). • Nausea or vomiting. • Arm or leg weakness. • Abnormal eye movements. • Difficulty standing up from a seated position or standing for prolonged periods of time. Do you frequently notice an imbalance, dizziness, or unsteadiness that makes you feel as if you may fall over at any given time? Have you suffered from a fall in the past? Are you worried that you may be at risk of sustaining • Inability to focus or remain alert. • Double vision or tunnel vision.
a fall-related injury? If so, contact Ellis Physical Therapy today so we can help you figure out the root of your problem and treat it accordingly. Am I at risk of falling? Some people have a higher risk of falling than others. Certain risk factors include:
• Advanced age. • Being female.
• Living a sedentary life. • Previous history of falls. • Vertigo or dizziness. • Parkinson’s disease. • Alzheimer’s disease. • Heart disease. • Diabetes.
• Previous stroke or heart attack. • Arthritis or alternative joint pain. • Problems with vision. • Problems with walking or staying balanced. • Fatigue. • Overall poor health.
Your physical therapist will assess your medical history to determine how many risk factors toward falling you may have. They will educate you on what these factors mean, as well as steps you can take to decrease your risk. After this, they will perform a thorough physical evaluation to figure out what the best treatment plan for you will be.
CALL TODAY! (208) 523-8879
www.EllisPhysicalTherapy.com
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