b'MEDICAL ADVICESeniors atHigh Risk for Fallsby DR. ALISON YOUNG-TANA nyone can fall and get hurt. Falls are onecombine, even small hazards like loose rugs,medications,sincesomemedicinesmay of the most common causes of injury inclutter, or poor lighting can increase the riskcause dizziness or affect balance.the United States. While falls can happenof a fall. Making the home safer is another important to people of any age, they affect older adultsWHAT CAN FALLS LEAD TO? step. Good lighting helps people see clearly the most. Falls are the leading cause of injuryFallscanleadtomanytypesofinjuries.when walking through their home. Removing and injury-related death for adults age 65 andSome injuries are minor, such as bruises orlooserugsandclutterfromwalkwayscan older in the United States. Each year, millionscuts. Others can be more serious and may of older adults fall. Many of these falls lead topreventtripping.Installinggrabbarsin injuries that require medical care.require medical treatment. bathrooms and handrails on stairs can also In Polk County, recent data from 2024 alsoBroken bones and head injuries are commonprovide extra support.shows that falls are the leading cause of fatalafter a fall. Hip fractures are also a seriousSmallsafetychangescanmakeabig injury for adults age 65 and older. Becauseconcern for older adults and can take a longdifference in preventing falls.of this, preventing falls is an important publictime to heal. In some cases, recovery may requirephysicaltherapyorrehabilitation.TREATMENThealth concern for the Department of HealthAfterfalling,someolderadultsbecome in Polk County. If a fall happens, it is important to check for afraid of falling again. This fear may causeinjuries and seek medical care when needed. WHY ARE FALLS A BIGGER CONCERN FORthem to move less or avoid activities they OLDER ADULTS? onceenjoyed.Overtime,reducedactivitySeverepain,troublestandingorwalking, canleadtoweakermusclesandanevenheadinjuries,dizziness,orconfusionmay Aspeopleage,theirbodiesgothroughbesignsthatmedicalattentionisneeded changes that can increase the risk of falling.greater risk of falling.Muscle strength and balance may decreasePREVENTION rightaway.Treatmentwilldependonthe overtime,andreactiontimecanbecometype of injury. Some people may need rest Thegoodnewsisthatmanyfallscanbeor medication to help manage pain. Others slower.Visionandhearingproblemsmayprevented.Takingsimplestepscanhelp also make it harder to notice hazards in theirmay require a cast, brace, or physical therapy lower the risk. Regular physical activity canto help them recover and regain strength.environment. improve strength, balance, and coordination. Some older adults live with health conditionsVision and hearing checkups can also helpAfter a fall, it is also important to understand thataffecthowtheymoveorkeeptheiridentifyproblemsthatmayincreasefallwhatcausedit.Identifyingthecausecan balance. Certain medications can also causerisk. It is also helpful for older adults to talkhelp prevent another fall in the future and dizziness or weakness. When these factorswith their doctor or pharmacist about theirkeep older adults safer and healthier. HNAbout the author: Dr. Alison Young-Tan, an internal medicine/pediatrics physician, currently serves the community as medical director for the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk).20 | CFHN centralfloridahealthnews.com'