PREVENTING FALLS

1. PREVENTING FALLS I.M. Doctor My City My State

2. The information in this presentation was provided to the presenter by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and may be modified. Endorsement of this presentation by the AAOS is not implied or inferred.

3. Preventing Falls • What is Orthopaedics? • Fall Risks and Prevention

4. Orthopaedics • What is orthopaedics? The treatment and health maintenance of musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, cartilage and spine)

5. What is an Orthopaedic Surgeon? • Medical doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with specialty training to provide musculoskeletal care with: • Medication • Physical therapy • Brace • Exercise • Surgery

6. Orthopaedic Education • College 4 • Medical School 4 • Internship 1 • Orthopaedic Residency 4 • Fellowship (optional) (1) • Two Years Practice 2 • TOTAL 16 YEARS

7. Preventing Falls Your Orthopaedic Surgeon Getting you back in the game

8. Preventing Falls • 1 in 3 senior citizens fall each year1 • 20% of falls require medical attention2 • Severity increases with age3 1 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.org) 2 “Exercise Best Falls Prevention Measure: Regular Exercise The Most Effective Way to Prevent Seniors Falling” by Sue Cartledge. 3 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.org)

9. Potential Consequences of Falls • Loss of independence • Loss of confidence • Reduced physical and social activity

10. Medical Risk Factors • Vision or hearing loss • Impaired musculoskeletal function • Bone and joint conditions: osteoporosis, arthritis • Irregular heartbeat, blood pressure disorders

11. Medical Risk Factors • Depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia • Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis • Urinary and bladder dysfunction • Cancer that affects bones • Medication side effects

12. Medical Risk Factors See your doctors • Talk about concerns of falling • Review medical conditions and treatment plans

13. Medical Risk Factors • Get vision and hearing checked • Make sure glasses and hearing aids are working well for you

14. Medical Risk Factors • Get ALL medications reviewed — prescription and non-prescription • Ask about supplements

15. Medical Risk Factors What you can do • Quit smoking • Limit drinking

16. Medical Risk Prevention Measures EXERCISE • Improves strength, balance, flexibility, coordination • Reduces risk of injury

17. Exercise • Talk to your doctor • Focus on improving stability • Consult with trainer or physical therapist

18. Exercise Do: • Start slowly and build up • Exercise when you are not tired • Always warm up and cool down

19. Exercise Don’t: • Do too much too soon • Take any additional medication without checking with your doctor

20. Home Risk Factors • 60% of seniors’ falls occur in the home 1 • 25% of those who suffer hip injuries due to falls die within a year 2 1 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.org) 2 “Going Steady,” Catherine Gandel. The AARP Magazine, July-August 2003.

21. Home Risk Factors • Remove clutter from floors • Keep rooms well lit • Move furniture and cords out of pathways

22. Home Risk Factors • Repair loose floorboards and carpets • Secure throw rugs or remove them • Avoid low seating

23. Home Risk Factors • Wear shoes that fit and have non-skid soles • Tie your shoelaces • Use a shoehorn if necessary

24. Home Risk Factors • Avoid high heels, thick soles • Don’t walk in stocking feet • Wear correct glasses

25. Home Risk Factors Bedroom • Keep light and phone near bed • Install night-lights

26. Home Risk Factors Bedroom • Adjust bed height • Use non-slippery linens • Make clothes easy to reach

27. Home Risk Factors Kitchen • Clean up spills immediately • Store food, dishes, within easy reach • Keep hands free of soap, oil

28. Home Risk Factors Kitchen • Don't stand on chairs or boxes to reach upper cabinets • Use non-skid floor wax

29. Home Risk Factors • Keep soap within reach Bathroom • Place a slip-resistant rug next to tub • Use rubber mat in tub

30. Home Risk Factors Bathroom • Use a plastic seat for baths • Install grab-bars for tub and toilet • Use raised toilet seat

31. Home Risk Factors Bathroom • Replace glass shower enclosures with non-shattering material • Use a night-light

32. Home Risk Factors Stairs and steps • Install handrails on both sides • Attach non-skid treads • Keep free of clutter • Install adequate lighting

33. Home Risk Factors Pets • Obedience training • Keep dishes, toys, leashes out of the way

34. Home Risk Factors Pets • Use night-lights • Be careful next to bed, stairs

35. Home Risk Factors Safe use of ladders • More than 530,000 people treated for ladder-related injuries each year Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2007.

36. Ladders • Select the right type of ladder for the job

37. Ladders • Inspect and lock before using

38. Home Risk Factors Remember the 1-to-4 ladder rule

39. Home Risk Factors • Face the ladder • Grip both rails • Do not stand on the top rungs • Do not stand anywhere other than on the rungs

40. Home Risk Factors • Do not lean • Do not overreach • Climb down to reposition

41. Home Risk Factors • Do not overload • Do not use in high winds • Do not use if you could become tired, faint, or dizzy

42. Getting Up From a Fall • Stay calm • Determine whether you are hurt • If injured, GET HELP • If uninjured, get up carefully

43. Getting Up From a Fall • Roll over naturally • Crawl to stable furniture

44. Getting Up From a Fall • Rise one knee at a time • Turn to sit

45. Preventing Falls

46. Resources American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons www.orthoinfo.org www.orthoinfo.org/falls www.aaos.org

47. Preventing Falls Questions?

48. Preventing Falls Your Orthopaedic Surgeon Getting you back in the game