By
Dr. Patrick Leach
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Ortho-Trauma Specialist
MCG Health System

Preventing falls is important at any age, but it is especially important for older Americans.  Each year, about one-third of individuals 65 years and older - more than 11 million people - will fall, and some will be disabled by the resulting broken bones.  Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.  In 2002, nearly 13,000 people ages 65 and older died of fall-related injuries.  Treatment of the injuries and complications associated with falls costs the U.S. $20.2 million annually.

Those most likely to fall include:  0lder women, especially Caucasians and Asians; seniors unable to stand on one leg for more than five seconds; users of multiple prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs; and elderly people who live alone.  White men have the highest fall-related death rates, followed by white women, black men and black women.  Sixty percent of falls occur in the home, 30 percent happen in public and 10 percent occur in institutions such as nursing homes.

Falls and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in which your bones become thinner, weaker and more brittle.  It is called the silent disease because there are no symptoms and it may come to light only after you break or fracture a bone.  Falls in those with osteoporosis can be a major health threat, resulting in a greater likelihood of serious injury. Nine out of 10 hip fractures are associated with osteoporosis.  Senior citizens who have a hip fracture are 5 to 20 percent more likely to die in the first year following that injury than other older individuals. 

Reduce Your Risk of Falling 
Falls are not natural occurrences.  Many falls can be prevented.  The following advice will help you eliminate hazards and take preventive measures to decrease your risk of falling.

Bathroom safety

• Never grab a towel rack, shampoo holder or soap tray for support in the shower.  These will not hold your weight.
• Let the soap suds go down the drain before you move around in the shower.  Do not turn suddenly.
• If you are prone to falling, use a shower chair.
• Install grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet.
• Install non-skid tape in the tub or shower floor.
• Clean up puddles of water immediately.
• Do not lock the bathroom door.  A locked door will delay help in reaching you.

Stair safety

• Never carry packages that will obstruct your view of the next step. 
• Install handrails on both sides of stairways.  Keep at least one hand on the handrail. 
• Make sure treads, handrails and rugs are secure and that there are no broken steps.
• Never leave items on the stairs.
• Have a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Other Precautions

• Wear glasses if you need them, but remove reading glasses before you walk.
• Don’t rush to answer the phone because sudden moves could throw you off balance.  Make sure you can reach a telephone to call for help if you fall.  Consider carrying a cell phone.
• Wear clothes that fit properly.  Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes.
• Remove tripping hazards such as objects on the floor.  Make sure that power cords and throw rugs are secure.
• Engage in regular, moderate amounts of exercise to maintain your strength, coordination, agility and balance.
• Ask your doctor whether any of your medications might cause you to fall.
• Make sure the paths from room to room are well lit.
• Make sure that all frequently used items are within easy reach, including clothing.
• Make sure that if you use a step stool that it is steady and has a hold bar.

Getting Up
If after taking precautions you still fall, don’t panic. Take several deep breaths and determine if you are hurt.  If you are injured, don’t attempt to get up. Instead, call for help on a cell phone or crawl slowly to the telephone. But, if you are strong enough to get up, slide or crawl along the floor to the nearest couch or chair. Use the furniture to pull yourself up.

Falls pose a serious health risk, particularly to older people and those with osteoporosis. A fall can be a major life-changing event, decreasing your mobility and independence. However, by eliminating hazards and taking preventive measures, you can decrease your risk of falling.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians, faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia, or employees of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation, not employees of MCG Health, Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.