•

Ask Dr. Vieder

LAKES URGENT CARE

When your health concerns can't wait.

My mom is 82 and living on her own. I know that slip and fall accidents can be more treacherous for seniors.
How can I help her stay safe in and out of the house?

Millions of adults age 65 and older fall each year. These falls can lead to severe injuries including hip fractures and head trauma.
Underlying health conditions, such as the need to take blood thinning medication, can lead to other serious problems.

While winter certainly creates more treacherous conditions outside, there are plenty of potential dangers within the home that are present year round.
Here are some ideas to help keep everyone's home safer:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Remove any tripping hazards such as items on the floor including books, papers, clothing and shoes.
Remove small throw rugs. Make sure that any remaining area rugs firmly grip the floor to avoid sliding.
Keep commonly used items on lower shelves of cabinets. Avoid using a step stool.
Use nonslip mats or other type of friction tape in bathtub and shower floors.
Be cautious of wet flooring during rainy or snowy days.
Improve lighting in the home. As we age, our vision requires a higher level of bright light to see well.
Make sure handrails are available and properly maintained near any steps or staircases.
Add additional lighting along steps and staircases.
If a family member should fall, do not move them from that location unless they are able to move themselves.

What advice can I give her so that she can prevent a fall?

Get some exercise! Stay active to maintain good balance and muscle tone to reduce the likelihood of falling.

Be aware that certain medications may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Whenever sitting or lying for a prolonged period of time,
allow time to equilibrate your blood pressure by changing position slowly and with support.

Check your vision and eyeglass prescription every year and make sure that glasses have the correct prescription.
Reduced or blurry vision is a major contributing factor to falls in the home.

And be sure to eliminate the trip and fall hazards as outlined above!

For more info, visit the Ask Dr. Vieder page at LakesUrgentCare.com
Dr. Sanford Vieder, DO, FACOEP, Medical Director at Lakes Urgent Care, West Bloomfield

liaPPY

Looking for
a unique
birthday gift?

theJ

EWISHNCWS OM

fel

c

TJEWISHNEws

404

°cover story

Your Name Here

L heissueof November

I

JeWi:Ne„="r6:
happened on the tee: f

•

co

•

C74-32--

DETROI

co

DETROIT
JEWISH NEWS

We will print you the entire
edition from the archives
showing just what was
going on that week when
that special person was
born. Plus, we can create a
personalized cover for them
featuring their photo. This
special Birthday edition is
produced on glossy paper
and bound in a magazine
format.

Call us now
for details
and pricing:

Pali"-
WE RESOLVE TO:

dance like we used to • hit the links • bound up the stairs

catch the mountain sunrise from our old hiking trail
take the trip we've been putting off • make some new friends
give the grandkids a piggyback ride
enjoy life without physical limitations again

This year, regenerate your strength—and fulfill your

Activer

Active Aging Centers
New Year's Resolutions—through a Strengtherapy®
Membership at ActiveRx. Activate now and receive:
ActiveRx
West Bloomfield
a FREE ActivEval comprehensive strength and
physical function assessment
6018 W Maple Rd, Suite 850
• a FREE Trial Membership
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
A value of up to $200 or more! Call or stop in at
ActiveRx.com
ActiveRx West Bloomfield for more information.

248-351-5114

Offer expires 2/28/2015. Annual membership is required. Terms and conditions apply.

(248) 932-0111

195448

1933350

JN

December 25 • 2014

39