This article highlights the importance of preventing hip fractures in older adults, emphasizing the significant impact on both individual well-being and the healthcare system. Personal anecdotes illustrate the devastating consequences of falls, showcasing the physical and emotional toll they take. The author stresses the need for awareness and preventative measures to ensure a better quality of life for seniors.
Prevention of hip fractures among older adult Canadians could have benefits to the larger health care system; but more importantly – to the quality of an individual’s remaining years.
Neither relative knew anything of the art of falling. Both crashed to the ground in the usual way – filled with paralyzing tension. But in spite of having limited mobility due to his ankylosing spondylitis, a severe form of arthritis, he shifted his head to avoid hitting the sink, slightly rolled his body and landed less harshly and avoided breaking his wrists. I was shocked when he jumped up – as if he had springs on his feet – andwith assurances that he was okay. I was startled by his quick movements and worried he was operating on adrenalin and might have broken bones.
His key advice in learning how to “fall properly” was to: lean into the fall; swing your arms to get some control over where and how you land; protect your head; relax; try to land on your fleshy butt and thighs; and roll on contact. “If you tense your body, everything locks and bones can snap,” he said. “Do your best to go down like a sack of potatoes.”
Although it may be harder to master the art of falling when a person is older, I learned there are safeguards we can put in place.specially designed for seniors. And then there are fall tips, grab bars, railings, non-slip flooring, better lighting and removing tripping hazards – all straightforward ways to help seniors prevent serious falls.
HIP Fractures Senior Health Fall Prevention Healthcare Costs Quality Of Life
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Senators' Zub fractures foot, will be out 'a while'Ottawa Senators defenceman Artem Zub has a fracture in his foot and will be out 'a while', according to head coach Travis Green.
Read more »
Five Eyes security agencies send up flare for help on preventing youth radicalizationOTTAWA — Security agencies from Canada and other members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance are calling for a 'whole-of-society response' to deal with the radicalization of young people lured into violent extremism.
Read more »
Five Eyes security agencies send up flare for help on preventing youth radicalizationOTTAWA — Security agencies from Canada and other members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance are calling for a 'whole-of-society response' to deal with the radicalization of young people lured into violent extremism.
Read more »
Five Eyes security agencies send up flare for help on preventing youth radicalizationOTTAWA — Security agencies from Canada and other members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance are calling for a 'whole-of-society response' to deal with the radicalization of young people lured into violent extremism.
Read more »
Five Eyes security agencies send up flare for help on preventing youth radicalizationOTTAWA — Security agencies from Canada and other members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance are calling for a 'whole-of-society response' to deal with the radicalization of young people lured into violent extremism.
Read more »
New University of Calgary study explores preventing domestic violenceNew research from the University of Calgary School of Public Policy is revealing key indicators that may help intervene and prevent domestic violence.
Read more »