Falling: A Deadly Problem Helped by Prevention
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- ID:
- 10560
- First Published:
- 16-Mar-2008
- Last updated on
- Monday March 17, 2008
- Summary:
- Falls are a deadly problem that can be helped through prevention.
Posted by FrancesJane 4 days ago
I see you recommend PT as one way to prevent falls. I'm 66 and 5 years ago suffered from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a form of shingles that attacks the cranial nerves. I now have minimal input from my right side vestibular (inner ear balance) nerve. I benefited so much from vestibular therapy given by a specially trained PT therapist that I went from walking with a cane all the time to keep my balance to needing the cane only in the dark. If you have balance issues, I highly recommend seeking out a trained vestibular therapist if you can find one.
Posted by Bex 6 months ago
This is so important. I really appreciate your writing about it. A single fall can break a hip and lead to a downward spiral in health and confidence and quality of life. After my mother fell, I was so worried, but it's been a huge help for her to get physical therapy. First the PT came to her house, and then later she was in good enough shape to go to the PT herself. They help her to build her balance by standing on one leg and learning to catch herself when she's in danger of falling over. I got her this book, which she read and liked: How to Prevent Falls, by Betty Perkins-Carpenter. And I read a research paper that said that wearing shoes, even around the house, can help prevent falls. Thanks again for being there!