On the farm or in the home, injuries from falls are a national health concern. According to the National Safety Council, more than 7.9 million Americans were injured by falls in 2007, and more than 21,700 died as a result of falls. The National Ag Safety Database said, among farm workers falls account for nearly 25 percent of all disabling injuries.
The staggering statistics span all age categories. Falls are the number one reason children end up in the ER and are also the leading cause of injury and death for people over 65. More than half of all fatal falls involve people over 75, even though that age group represents just 4 percent of the U.S. population.
The danger of falls is nothing new –reports show that falls have been a leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. since the early 19th century – but preventing falls is receiving new attention. In a partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Arkansas Department of Health, members of the trauma program at Washington Regional are implementing a community outreach effort to reduce the number of devastating falls among area residents. By using social media networks like Facebook and Twitter, and by participating in health fairs and community events, they distribute information and offer guidelines to help keep people safe from falls.
“Injury prevention is an integral part of an organized trauma program,” said Karen McIntosh, R.N., manager of Washington Regional’s trauma program. “As falls are the leading cause of trauma-related admissions at Washington Regional Medical Center, we feel it is very important for us to share with our community members what strategies they can utilize to reduce their risk of falling.”
The program’s first focus is on older adults, McIntosh said. Fall-prevention recommendations for older adults include:
1. Exercise regularly to build leg strength and improve your balance and coordination. Ask your doctor about the best exercise for you. Always remember: Stay fit and flexible.
2. Make sure all walkways are well lit and clutter-free. Reduce tripping hazards by using non-slip mats and grab rails.
3. Take your time and be patient. Rushing increases your risk of falling.
4. Have your vision and hearing checked regularly.
5. Interactions between medicines can cause you to lose your balance. Review all over-the-counter medicines and prescriptions with your doctor or pharmacist.
6. Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol may interact with medications and affect balance.
Gina Brooks Maddox is the marketing and public relations director for Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark.
