May is National Trauma Awareness Month, and Lake Regional Emergency Department is encouraging awareness about senior falls.
10 Facts about Senior Falls
Source: American Trauma SocietyFollowing are four important steps seniors can take to reduce their fall risk.
1. Participate in regular physical activity for improved balance and coordination.
2. Make your home safer by removing things you might trip over (throw rugs, books, cords, shoes, etc.).
3. Avoid standing up quickly. When getting up from a lying position, sit up for a few seconds before standing.
4. Review your medications with your provider. Ask if any might make you feel dizzy or sleepy.
5. Have your vision checked at least once a year. Poor vision can increase your chance of falling.
"With the right education and prevention steps, many seniors can avoid a traumatic fall," Whitter said. "We encourage seniors to talk to their doctors for more advice on reducing their fall risk."
Lake Regional Hospital's Emergency Department, a Level III trauma center, provides 24-hour emergency medical service to a five-county area and receives patients from seven ground ambulance services and an air ambulance, owned and operated by Air Methods Corp., based at the hospital. The ED team includes full-time emergency physicians with clinical interests in the specialized field of emergency medicine and nursing staff trained in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and trauma care. To learn more, visit www.lakeregional.com.