ChoicePT_Season of Renewal

ChoicePT_Season of Renewal

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READY TO PUT SOME SPRING IN YOUR STEP?

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Spring is almost here! Sunshine and Snowman ice cream...how can it get any better than that? As we are all able to start getting out and about more we’d like to talk about fall risk this month. Among older Americans car accidents are the #1 cause of: death from injury and injuries in general. That’s a startling statistic when you think about it. Makes me think twice about going out joy riding on a fall weekend to check out the changing leaves. If car accidents are the #1 cause, can you guess what the second leading cause is? It’s a loaded question. Among older Americans falls are the #1 cause of: death from injury and injury in general. Falls are a serious problem. Every second an older American falls. One in three older adults reported a fall and that number increases with age. In 2014, falls impacted 46 million people. In 2030, that number is expected to increase 61% to impact 74 million people. Understanding what factors tend to contribute to falls as well as how to be proactive in screening for falls can help turn those statistics around. READY TO PUT SOME SPRING IN YOUR STEP?

Lastly, your sensory system. Specifically, your proprioception. Proprioception is a fancy term for position sense. Tiny receptors in your joints and muscles constantly send feedback information to your brain communicating where your hands and legs are in space. Without this system working well you can be much more prone to tripping over your foot causing unsteadiness or worse a fall.

Wondering if you or a loved one is at increased risk for falls?

We’ve included a fall screening questionnaire in this month’s newsletter. If you score > 4 further fall risk assessments should be completed. The testing takes about 20 minutes and can be performed right in our clinic. Don’t let pride or a “busy schedule” jeopardize yours or a loved one’s safety. A fall can significantly impact confidence and independence.

Here are the five most common reasons people fall:

1. Our vision can decrease as we age which can lead to falls due to not seeing clearly. 2. Our hips and leg muscles become weaker making it harder to walk and lift our feet.

Knowledge is power.

3. We can develop poor posture making it harder to stand upright.

Knowing whether you’re at risk and what to specifically do to minimize that risk can make a world of difference.

4. It takes longer to react when something is in our way.

5. Medications can interact with one another which can contribute to dizziness or loss of balance. Having good balance is a team effort made up of three essential elements. First, your vision. If you can’t see obstacles coming at you it is much harder to maneuver around them. Balance is much harder in a dark environment or with our eyes closed for this reason. Second, your inner ear (vestibular system). This is your body’s “righting mechanism” to offset tipping, tilting, and turning your head. The vestibular system is very complicated but suffice it to say, if you’ve ever experienced vertigo you understand the very important role your inner ear plays in balance.

All the best, Joe

INSIDE: • Check Your Risk of Falling • #Choose2GiveBack • Team Members of the Month • In the Community

Check Your Risk for Falling

CHOICE QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Circle “Yes” or “No” for each statement below

Why it matters

Yes (2) Yes (2)

No (0) No (0)

I have fallen in the past year

People who have fallen once are likely to fall again. People who have been advised to use a cane or walker may already be more likely to fall. Unsteadiness or needing support while walking are signs of poor balance.

I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker to get around safely

Yes (1)

No (0)

Sometimes I feel unsteady when I am walking

Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1) Yes (1)

No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0) No (0)

I steady myself by holding onto furniture when walking at home

This is also a sign of poor balance.

I am worried about falling

People who are worried about falling are more likely to fall. This is a sign of weak leg muscles, a major reason for falling. This is also a sign of weak leg muscles. Rushing to the bathroom, especially at night, increases your chance of falling. Numbness in your feet can cause stumbles and lead to falls. Side effects from medicine can sometimes increase your chance of falling. These medicines can sometimes increase your chance of falling. Symptoms of depression, such as not feeling well or feeling slowed down, are linked to falls.

I need to push with my hands to stand up from a chair I have some trouble stepping up onto a curb

I often have to rush to the toilet

I have lost some feeling in my feet

I take medicine that sometimes makes me feel light-headed or more tired than usual I take medicine to help me sleep or improve my mood

I often feel sad or depressed

Total:______ Add up the number of points for each “yes” answer.

If you scored 4 points or more, you may be at risk for falling.

This checklist was developed by the Greater Los Angeles VA Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center and affiliates and is a validated fall risk self-assessment tool (Rubenstein et al. J Safety Res; 2011: 42(6)493-499).

LOCAL HEALTH ACT IVI TY

EXERCISE ESSENT IALS

SQUAT Stand with good posture, making sure your feet are shoulder width apart. Perform a squat by bending at the hip and knees. Stop at the point where you cannot keep your lower back flat. Rise up by straightening at the hip and knees. Repeat 7-10 times. THIS EXERCISE HELPS TO PROMOTE GLUTE AND QUAD STRENGTH FOR BETTER GAIT MECHANICS AND LESS PAIN.

AT THE EMPIRE STATE PLAZA ICE RINK, YOU CAN RENT ICE SKATES AND ENJOY THE RINK WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY!

CHOICE PHYSICAL THERAPY TEAM NEWS

IN THE COMMUNITY

We hosted our first “Choose To Move Senior Fitness Class” at ROUSE House in Brunswick with their residents on February 28th. Led by Cory Kennedy, Patient Care Assistant from the Speigletown clinic, we danced and moved to the music, creating a fun and healthy environment! This class is offered the last Monday of the month at 2pm, with the next class on March 28th.

CHOICE PHYSICAL THERAPY TEAM MEMBERS OF THE MONTH!

Sarah Amedure, DPT- Campbel l Ave Sara Pipino, PCA- Speigletown

CONGRATULATIONS Sarah and Sara, our February Team Members of the Month!

#CHOOSE2GIVEBACK

As we close our annual #Choose2GiveBack campaign, aiming to raise awareness and funds for the local chapter of the American Heart Association - New York State , we want to thank our community of patients and CPT team for raising over $350 throughout the month of February! Thank you for your continued generosity!!