14-15 / 16
Cool
tool!
Use our handy
HeartAware
online assessment to learn
more about your risk of
heart disease. It’s free—
and it only takes about
7 minutes to complete.
Find it at
StRoseReach.org .14
StRoseHospitals.org|
Spring 2017
Reach
|
Spring 2017
15
It’s pretty common
to see a
toddler take a tumble, get up, and
go—no worse for wear. But as we get
older, falls become a more serious
health risk.
To help prevent falls, Dena
Berezin, MSOTR/L—a registered,
licensed occupational therapist and
St. Rose Dominican’s fall prevention
program instructor—shares some
ideas on reducing hazards and
maintaining your strength, balance,
and vision.
Around thehome
●
●
Always wear nonslip and stable
shoes—not slippers—both inside
and outside.
●
●
Keep clutter to a minimum.
●
●
Arrange furniture so there’s a clear
walkway. Keep objects off the floor
and electrical cords next to the
wall so you won’t trip over them.
●
●
Remove throw rugs or small
area rugs.
●
●
On the stairs, fix loose or uneven
steps. Install sturdy handrails on
both sides of the stairway, and
keep it clutter-free. Make sure
there’s plenty of light on inside
and outside steps.
●
●
In the bathroom, use a nonslip mat
on the tub or shower floor. Install
grab bars next to the tub and toilet.
If you’re prone to falling, use a
shower chair.
●
●
Keep a flashlight next to your bed
or have night lights that provide
clear vision to your restroom.
Moreyoucando
●
●
Get up slowly after sitting or lying
down.
●
●
Use a cane or walker if you’re
unsteady.
●
●
Exercise regularly to
improve strength,
coordination, and
balance.
●
●
Have your vision
checked at least once
a year, and update
your eyeglasses when needed.
●
●
See your doctor if you’re having
trouble with balance or dizziness.
Your prescription and over-the-
counter medications should be
reviewed during your
appointment as side effects
could include dizziness or
sleepiness, which contribute
to falls.
●
●
Keep a cellphone or medical
alert device with you so you
can always get help.
Steady as you go...
Great tips to help prevent falls
3 fast facts on falls
●
●
Falls are the leading
injury-related reason
for emergency room
visits.
●
●
Each year, falls cause
almost as many
deaths as vehicle-
related crashes.
●
●
Falls are the most
common cause of
hip fractures and
traumatic brain
injuries.
Sources: American College of Emergency Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dena Berezin,
MSOTR/L
Stepping
On: Fall
Prevention Program
Learn to protect yourself in this free
seven-week class. See page 10 for
class information.
Zia Khan,
MD
Make the call.
If you think you’re having a
heart attack or witnessing one, call 911 right
away. Quick treatment can help save heart
tissue and lives.
Be a lifesaver.
Our Heartsaver CPR/AED class
will teach you how to respond to medical
emergencies. Get details on page 10 or online
at
StRoseHospitals.org/classes .Knowledge
is power
Sources: American Heart Association;
National Institutes of Health
This is vital info:
“Chest
pain or discomfort is the most
common symptom of a heart
attack,” says Zia Khan, MD,
board-certified interventional
cardiologist. “But symptoms can
be felt in many areas of the body.”
Body:
breaking out in
a cold sweat; fatigue
or weakness
Shoulders or arms:
pain or discomfort in
one or both
Lungs:
shortness of
breath; coughing
Chest:
pain or
discomfort
Learn to spot heart attack
symptoms—you could
have one or more
Stomach:
pain or
discomfort; nausea;
vomiting
Back:
pain or
discomfort
Neck or jaw:
pain
or discomfort
Head:
dizziness;
light-headedness