I.M. Doctor My City My State PREVENTING FALLS

The information in this presentation was provided to the presenter by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and may be modified. Endorsement of this presentation by the AAOS is not implied or inferred.

Preventing Falls  What is Orthopaedics?  Fall Risks and Prevention

Orthopaedics  What is orthopaedics? The treatment and health maintenance of musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, cartilage and spine)

What is an Orthopaedic Surgeon?  Medical doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with specialty training to provide musculoskeletal care with:  Medication  Physical therapy  Brace  Exercise  Surgery

Orthopaedic Education  College4  Medical School4  Internship1  Orthopaedic Residency4  Fellowship (optional)(1)  Two Years Practice2  TOTAL16 YEARS

Preventing Falls Your Orthopaedic Surgeon Getting you back in the game

Preventing Falls  1 in 3 senior citizens fall each year 1  20% of falls require medical attention 2  Severity increases with age 3 1 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.org) 2 “Exercise Best Falls Prevention Measure: Regular Exercise The Most Effective Way to Prevent Seniors Falling” by Sue Cartledge. 3 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.org)

Potential Consequences of Falls  Loss of independence  Loss of confidence  Reduced physical and social activity

Medical Risk Factors  Vision or hearing loss  Impaired musculoskeletal function  Bone and joint conditions: osteoporosis, arthritis  Irregular heartbeat, blood pressure disorders

Medical Risk Factors  Depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia  Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis  Urinary and bladder dysfunction  Cancer that affects bones  Medication side effects

Medical Risk Factors See your doctors  Talk about concerns of falling  Review medical conditions and treatment plans

Medical Risk Factors  Get vision and hearing checked  Make sure glasses and hearing aids are working well for you

Medical Risk Factors  Get ALL medications reviewed — prescription and non-prescription  Ask about supplements

Medical Risk Factors What you can do  Quit smoking  Limit drinking

Medical Risk Prevention Measures EXERCISE  Improves strength, balance, flexibility, coordination  Reduces risk of injury

Exercise  Talk to your doctor  Focus on improving stability  Consult with trainer or physical therapist

Exercise Do:  Start slowly and build up  Exercise when you are not tired  Always warm up and cool down

Exercise Don’t:  Do too much too soon  Take any additional medication without checking with your doctor

Home Risk Factors  60% of seniors’ falls occur in the home 1  25% of those who suffer hip injuries due to falls die within a year 2 1 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.org) 2 “Going Steady,” Catherine Gandel. The AARP Magazine, July- August 2003.

Home Risk Factors  Remove clutter from floors  Keep rooms well lit  Move furniture and cords out of pathways

Home Risk Factors  Repair loose floorboards and carpets  Secure throw rugs or remove them  Avoid low seating

Home Risk Factors  Wear shoes that fit and have non-skid soles  Tie your shoelaces  Use a shoehorn if necessary

Home Risk Factors  Avoid high heels, thick soles  Don’t walk in stocking feet  Wear correct glasses

Home Risk Factors Bedroom  Keep light and phone near bed  Install night-lights

Home Risk Factors Bedroom  Adjust bed height  Use non-slippery linens  Make clothes easy to reach

Home Risk Factors Kitchen  Clean up spills immediately  Store food, dishes, within easy reach  Keep hands free of soap, oil

Home Risk Factors Kitchen  Don't stand on chairs or boxes to reach upper cabinets  Use non-skid floor wax

Home Risk Factors  Keep soap within reach Bathroom Place a slip-resistant rug next to tub Use rubber mat in tub

Home Risk Factors Bathroom  Use a plastic seat for baths  Install grab-bars for tub and toilet  Use raised toilet seat

Home Risk Factors Bathroom  Replace glass shower enclosures with non-shattering material  Use a night-light

Home Risk Factors Stairs and steps  Install handrails on both sides  Attach non-skid treads  Keep free of clutter  Install adequate lighting

Home Risk Factors Pets  Obedience training  Keep dishes, toys, leashes out of the way

Home Risk Factors Pets  Use night-lights  Be careful next to bed, stairs

Home Risk Factors Safe use of ladders  More than 530,000 people treated for ladder-related injuries each year Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2007.

Ladders  Select the right type of ladder for the job

Ladders  Inspect and lock before using

Home Risk Factors Remember the 1-to-4 ladder rule

Home Risk Factors  Face the ladder  Grip both rails  Do not stand on the top rungs  Do not stand anywhere other than on the rungs

Home Risk Factors  Do not lean  Do not overreach  Climb down to reposition

Home Risk Factors  Do not overload  Do not use in high winds  Do not use if you could become tired, faint, or dizzy

Getting Up From a Fall  Stay calm  Determine whether you are hurt  If injured, GET HELP  If uninjured, get up carefully

Getting Up From a Fall 1. Roll over naturally 2. Crawl to stable furniture

Getting Up From a Fall 3. Rise one knee at a time 4. Turn to sit

Preventing Falls

Resources American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Preventing Falls Questions?

Preventing Falls Your Orthopaedic Surgeon Getting you back in the game