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Did you know...- Every 11 seconds, a senior is treated in the ER for a fall related injury. - According to the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans over the age of 65 falls each year. - Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. - Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury among older adults, and the most frequent reason for non-fatal trauma as well. - More than 300,000 people are hospitalized each year from broken hips, and 95 percent of these fractures are the result of a fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). - The average cost of treating a fall is $30,000! |
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8 things to have your doctor check after an unintended fall
1. An assessment for underlying new illness. 2. A blood pressure and pulse reading when sitting, and when standing. 3. Blood tests 4. Medications review - Any sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medications. - Blood pressure and diabetes medications. - “Anticholinergic” medications. - Opiate pain medications 5. Gait and balance. - Address any pain or discomfort. 6. Evaluation for underlying heart conditions or neurological conditions. 7. Vision, podiatry, orthopedic and home safety referrals. 8. Vitamin D levels |
