Fall Risk Prevention
Dizziness increases fall risks.
Fall Risk Prevention
Dizziness increases fall risks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) every second of every day in the United States an older adult falls, making falls the number one cause of injuries and deaths from injury among older Americans.
With so many falls occurring year over year in the US, we feel it’s our responsibility to better educate the public on how they can keep their families safe, happy, and healthy, no matter what their age.
Dizziness increases fall risks
Falls are something many people chalk up to a normal part of the aging process, but this is not true. Certain risk factors associated with age may increase a risk of falling, but managing your dizziness and loss of balance can reduce your fall risk. Many studies show patients are hesitant to bring up falls with their healthcare providers due to embarrassment or not wanting to make a ‘big deal’ out of it. Since falls can be so catastrophic to our aging population, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional about your balance issues.
Get your fall risk assessment today.
Take a fall risk quiz
Concerned about falls? Answer each Yes or No question as honestly as possible in order to best identify your or your loved one’s fall risk profile. Please note, this is not a fall risk assessment, but should help you determine if an appointment is necessary.
Have us assess your balance or dizziness.
Facts about falls in the United States
An older adult dies from a fall every twenty minutes.
Serious injuries like fractures and head trauma occur in 1 out of 5 falls.
Despite older adults falling every second of every day in the US, fewer than half will discuss this with their doctor.
Injuries from the result of a fall result in over 3 million emergency room visits.
Fall-related injuries cost us over $31 Billion dollars per year.
Fall prevention can help save you and your loved ones from harm.
Get your loved one a fall risk assessment.
Myths and truths about falls
With so many falls occurring year over year in the US, we feel it’s our responsibility to better educate the public on how they can keep their families safe, happy, and healthy, no matter what their age. Though it’s widely considered a fact that falls and a loss of balance are simply a part of older age (the number one health concern for older adults is a fear of falling!), this isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, there are a number of myths related to falling that we’d like to debunk for you!
Myth
Falling is a natural phenomenon associated with aging.
Truth
Though there are certain age-related risk factors that could contribute to falls or a loss of balance, falling is not a normal part of aging. What’s more, there are proven, effective treatment options for these common risk factors. We recommend speaking to your primary care physician about your concerns in order to get the right recommendations!
Myth
Medications don’t increase your risk of falling.
Truth
Statistically speaking, people who take two or more medications may be increasing their risk of falls. If you feel symptoms associated with falls (dizziness, lightheadedness, a loss of balance), discuss these concerns with your doctor. If you’re being prescribed additional medication, talk to your doctor about the associated risks.
Myth
You can avoid falling by avoiding activity.
Truth
Actually, the opposite is true. A lack of activity causes your muscles to weaken, which will actually increase your risk of falls. Talk to your doctor about how you can develop an exercise program that will help you build muscle tone, improve your balance, and even increase your lifespan!
Myth
You can avoid falling if you stay at home.
Truth
Isolating yourself and avoiding activities that could increase your mobility can actually increase your risk of falling, and are sometimes associated with depression. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one are experiencing signs of depression, seek help from your healthcare provider about the best solutions for you and your family.
Myth
Canes and walkers decrease independence.
Truth
These devices, when appropriately prescribed and used, can actually improve your balance, overall strength, and your endurance, not to mention that they can improve your quality of life by getting you more active and engaged in your community.
Myth
Annual vision exams aren’t necessary.
Truth
Healthy vision is crucial to your balance. Your yearly exams play an important role in ensuring you’re wearing the right prescription eyewear and that your eyes are healthy.
Myth
If I express my concern about falling to my primary care physician or healthcare provider, they might want to limit my independence.
Truth
Being more open about your health concerns, especially when you’re first experiencing them, helps your healthcare providers create treatment and intervention plans that can actually increase your health and independence. If we all work together, it will only benefit you in the long-run!
Talk to our balance experts about your concerns today!
© American Institute of Balance, Inc.