Elderly Falls onRisethe
TIPS
from the
PROS
courtesy of American Trauma Society, PA Division
H E A LT H
The American Trauma Society (ATS) and the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) team up annually to plan National Trauma Awareness Month. In 1988, May was chosen as the month for us to dedicate our time and resources to increasing education and prevention about various activities that could lead to trauma. This year’s theme, “Safe & Secure – Safety is a Choice, Prevention is Key,” focuses on injury areas that have been rising during COVID-19. In Pennsylvania, specifically the Philadelphia area, ATS and STN report elderly falls as one of the top three reasons for hospitalization. Here are some statistics and safety tips to help prevent falls, courtesy of ATS and STN. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an Emergency Department for a fall. Falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Use the tips below to prevent falls in your home. Find a good balance & exercise program. Look to build balance, strength and flexibility. Talk to your healthcare provider. Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls. Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure side effects are not increasing your risk of falling. Get your vision & hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses. Eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet. Keep your home safe. Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe and install grab bars in key areas. Talk to your family members. Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. More information and resources regarding trauma can be found at www.atspa.org. Also please visit our blog at www.gohomephillyblog.com/category/health for more safety tips provided by the American Trauma Society and the Society of Trauma Nurses. PRH
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April / May / June 2021
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