Tips to avoid injury to brain and spine

Falls are the leading cause of injury to seniors in the United States. Each year more than 11,000,000 Americans over age 65 are injured from a fall. Many suffer a life-changing traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. In an effort to raise awareness of this issue, the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will present Brain and Spine Injury Prevention for Seniors, a free seminar on November 1, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the Greenwich Hospital Noble Conference Center.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Simon of the ONS Foundation will talk about how to avoid accidents that can lead to a life-changing injury. Admission is free. Registration is required.

Falls can happen during normal everyday activities like climbing stairs, getting out of the bathtub or walking the dog. Most occur at home. For someone over 65, a bad fall can mean a lengthy hospital stay, stressful rehabilitation, a loss of independence, or worse. Fortunately, there are things that seniors and their family members can do to lower the risk of falling. Research shows that simple modifications can substantially cut risks.

Becoming aware of the most common causes of accidents is key to prevention. Some are more obvious than others, like tripping on electric cords, small pets under foot, or a displaced rug. Other factors may be more subtle, such as the use of certain medications, alcohol use, and vision or hearing loss. Medical conditions including arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes or depression can contribute to a fall. People who experience changes in balance and coordination should also be aware of their increased risk.

At Brain and Spine Injury seminar on November 1, Dr. Simon will emphasize the importance of understanding your medications, making your home safe from tripping hazards and maintaining your health in order to lower your risk for a serious, or potentially catastrophic, fall.

“The statistics on the impact of falls for seniors are staggering. The purpose of this talk is to help people preserve their health and their independence, well into their senior years,” said Dr. Simon. “The best way to do this is to help people understand the major risks for injuries both in and out of the home.”

source: connecticutplus