3 ways to reduce your risk of falling like Pelosi and McConnell

When my family moved to New Hampshire for my freshman year of high school, Dr. C. Everett Koop, President Ronald Reagan’s surgeon general, became my neighbor.

As a committed doctor I spent every moment I could to find him and absorb his wisdom. He shared many lessons, though. I never forget one point he always emphasized: If you want to live a long, fully healthy life, don’t fall down, especially as you get older.

At the time, I found his frequent comments to be nothing short of strange. But as an orthopedic surgeon during the last year of training Now I really appreciate the doctor. Coop’s point, I actually see it every day in hospital emergency departments. An elderly person falls, and her life, as well as the lives of those she loves, is changed forever. It’s shockingly common. And recently We’ve seen two senior members of Congress, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Mitch McConnell, fall, with the former speaker reportedly suffering a broken hip.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell takes questions from reporters during a news conference after the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 2, 19. September 2024 (Photo Andrew Harnick/Getty)

Each year, one in four Americans age 65 and older fall. This results in millions of emergency room visits. and another 1 million fall-related hospital admissions among the elderly. Falls cause hundreds of thousands of hip fractures every year. and is the most common cause of brain injury. What is most striking is that falls are the number one cause of death from injury in this population. And the health care system’s price tag for falls in the elderly? 50 billion dollars

Sen. MCCONNELL REPORTS GOOD AFTER FALLING DURING GOP LUNCH

But falls can often be prevented. There are three steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling. But still have an active and fulfilling lifestyle at the same time.

Focus on making healthy lifestyle choices.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has many positive side effects. Including reducing the risk of falling. Exercise is extremely important for well-being. superior mental health and a better quality of life An exercise program started after consultation with your doctor. Can improve agility Strength, balance, and coordination.

Additionally, eating a balanced diet consisting of nutritious, high-quality foods. This guarantees adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. It is considered the key to good health. Including bone health This can help reduce the risk of a hip fracture. You fall. Avoid smoking. And alcohol should be reduced to a minimum.

Studies have found that the risk of dementia may be higher for older adults who have sustained this type of injury.

It is very important for elderly patients to have regular physical and eye exams with their doctor and health care team. Not only does this provide an opportunity for people to share any health concerns they may have. But it also helps doctors detect potential health problems as early as possible. It also provides an opportunity to proactively manage bone health. This includes testing for and treating bone loss, weakness, or fragility (such as osteopenia and osteoporosis), which often occurs as we age.

In addition, many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, There are common side effects such as dizziness or confusion. This can lead to falls. Therefore, it is important for people to review their medication list with their healthcare team. This includes dietary supplements, which are often overlooked but can also have dangerous side effects.

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 24: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi speaks during Nancy Pelosi in Conversation with Katie Couric at 92NY on October 24, 2024 in New York City. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Use safe shoes

Elderly people need to wear appropriate shoes to reduce the risk of falling. Shoes should fit snugly and have non-slip or non-slip soles. This includes shoes and sneakers. This includes sandals and socks if they do not have “grip” on the sole. Falls may occur unnecessarily. Especially on hardwood or other slippery areas. If your shoes have shoelaces They should always be tied short enough not to trip over them. A velcro closure could also be very useful as it would make putting on and securing the shoe much easier. When women get older High heels should be avoided, which may affect walking and balance. The use of shoe horns is also beneficial and helps in wearing the right shoes.

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Modify your home

Most falls in older Americans occur at home. But we often overlook simple home modifications. This can improve safety and reduce the risk of falling. It is important to ensure that the surrounding walkway area is clean and clear. The house has enough light. Including at night using a night light, for example if you need to go to the bathroom. Clutter and wires should be removed from frequently used walkways. And store or place it along the wall properly. In addition, something as simple as a floor rug can cause an elderly person to fall unnecessarily. If possible they should be removed as people tend to hold their feet on the edge.

Additional physical support that helps with daily living can greatly improve safety and can be beneficial, for example, handrails on both sides of stairs. Anti-slip mat in the shower or bathtub Handrail next to the toilet bowl And bath seats are all useful in preventing falls when in use.

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Prevention is the best medicine.

Meanwhile, McConnell is fortunate that he did not have any serious complications. With the recent fall on Capitol Hill, it appears former Speaker Pelosi wasn’t so lucky. If the report is correct Her injuries almost certainly required surgery. and is usually completed within 1 to 2 days to address pain concerns. and help patients get out of bed as quickly as possible This is to avoid bed-ridden complications such as bed-ridden pneumonia, ulcers, blood clots, and urinary tract infections. However, recovery after hip fracture surgery is a journey that often requires significant physical therapy. And it could result in a significant reduction in independence and work status, even for Senator McConnell. Falling down at all can lead to increased hesitation in performing daily activities. and increases concern that it may happen again.

Falls often have serious consequences for the elderly. Not only can it lead to injuries that change your independence, activity level, and functional status. But it can also cause death.

The reality is that there is growing concern that as the population ages, The number of falls among older Americans will also increase. Fortunately, many falls can be prevented if we are proactive in taking the necessary steps to reduce the risk. As usual, prevention is the best medicine.

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The opinions, thoughts, and ideas expressed in this article are solely those of the author. and does not necessarily belong to the employer or any institution with which he is affiliated.