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Blood Pressure Pills, Heart Pills,
Recent Fall,
Eye Drops, Light-headed,
Use Assistive Device
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| FAST
FACTS |
- In the elderly,
falls are the single greatest cause of death due to injury.
One-third to one-half of people over 65 years of age fall
at least once a year.
- Factors that
contribute to falls include difficulties with gait and balance;
medications; dementia; and visual impairment.
- Environmental
hazards such as slippery surfaces, uneven floors, poor
lighting, stairs, loose rugs, unstable furniture, and objects
on the floor may also be factors in falls.
- Blood pressure
pills and heart pills can cause light-headedness
or dizziness. If the elder does not change positions slowly,
a fall can occur.
- Eye drops
can cause vision to be blurred. Blurred vision can lead
to a fall. Some medicated eye drops can cause a lowering
of blood pressure which can make you light-headed or dizzy.
- Assistive
devices, such a cane or walker, can be helpful in preventing
falls. But they can also increase the risk of a fall by
getting caught on rugs or uneven surfaces.
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| WHAT
TO DO |
- Schedule a stretching,
Tai Chi, or walking program.
- Join a Fall Awareness
Program from a local hospital or university.
- Get education
on home and environmental modifications.
- Obtain a Life
Line Personal Emergency
Response System: (216) 931-1503
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| WHERE
TO GO |
- Call the Cleveland
State University Speaker's Bureau:
(216) 687-2294
- Order videos, "Fear
of Falling, It's a Matter of Balance" or
"Strong for Life", available through
the Boston University's web site listed in "WEB LINKS"
below.
- Call the Arthritis
Foundation: 1-800-283-7800
WEB
LINKS
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