Latest news with #falls
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Care home where resident fell 26 times placed in special measures
A care home where one resident fell 26 times and suffered five serious injuries has been placed in special Court in Southport has been rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after an inspection earlier this found residents were regularly falling, and were not being moved to manage the risk of bed sores and other skin issues, with one person left sitting in a wheelchair for five Knapton of the CQC said the "deterioration" in the quality of care at the home was caused by chronic understaffing and poor leadership. The home has been placed in special measures, meaning the CQC will closely monitor its efforts to improve following the inspection in February and Court had previously been rated as "Good" by the watchdog. Lotus Care, which operates the site, has been contacted for comment. 'Strong smell of urine' During their visit, inspectors found one person had fallen 26 times, "five of which had resulted in significant injuries", the report falls had not been reported to a local safeguarding team, while risk assessments had not been done to reduce the risk of repeated incidents."This volume of falls indicates staff didn't have enough time to help people at risk of falls move around the home," Ms Knapton said understaffing and an over-reliance on agency workers had led to a "poor culture"."Interactions between staff and residents weren't warm or friendly and were often task focused placing people at risk of loneliness."Additionally, agency staff were sometimes given inductions by unqualified staff which led to people receiving unsafe care. "For example, eight people hadn't received their prescribed medication placing them at risk of harm."Inspectors also found dirty pillows and bedding in the home, while noting a "strong smell of urine throughout the building".In another case, one person's bedroom had a wardrobe filled with the belongings of former residents who had lived there 16 months ago despite asking staff to remove them. Staff told inspectors there were not enough workers to respond to the needs of residents, and one said: "We are rushed for time, there are always buzzers going off."Another said morale "has gone down", while another worker said the staff had "not had supervision in months and there is no employee of the month anymore".Ms Knapton said the CQC would not hesitate to take further action if "rapid improvements" were not made. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Surprising Benefits of Deep Squats as You Age — and Why You Should Start Now
As we age, many of us notice our bodies don't move quite the way they used to. Tasks that once felt effortless—like bending down to tie your shoes, getting up from a chair, or even walking comfortably—can start to feel stiff or challenging. One of the most common culprits behind these frustrations is decreasing hip mobility. Our hips are central to nearly every movement we make. They connect our upper and lower bodies and support our weight during walking, standing, climbing stairs, and more. When hip joints stiffen or weaken, it can set off a chain reaction of problems—like poor posture, muscle imbalances, and an increased risk of falls. This is especially concerning for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury and death among seniors, with women disproportionately affected. In fact, about 75% of hip fractures occur in women, and complications from such injuries can be severe. But here's the good news: You don't have to accept stiff, achy hips as an unavoidable part of aging. One of the most effective ways to maintain and improve hip mobility is by incorporating deep squat variations into your movement routine. Think about all the simple actions you do every day: stepping out of bed, standing up from a chair, walking across the room, or bending down to pick something up. Your hips play a role in every one of these movements. Over time, due to inactivity, injury, or simply the aging process, the muscles and joints around your hips can become tight or weak. This limits your range of motion, affects balance, and can make these basic activities more difficult or even unsafe. Loss of hip mobility also tends to contribute to lower back pain and knee problems since those joints try to compensate for the restricted movement. Maintaining healthy hips isn't just about comfort—it's about preserving your independence and quality of life as you age. Deep squats have been a natural part of daily life for many cultures around the world for centuries. In regions across Asia, Africa, and indigenous communities, people commonly rest or work in deep squats. This position keeps their hips, knees, and ankles strong and flexible. In contrast, modern Western lifestyles often replace squatting with prolonged sitting in chairs, which can cause joints to stiffen and muscles to weaken. Reintroducing deep squat variations to your routine can reverse some of this stiffness. Not only do these movements promote flexibility, but they also build strength in key muscle groups—such as the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and core—that support your hips and pelvis. Beyond flexibility, deep squats help enhance muscle strength around your hips and legs. Strong muscles provide better support for your joints, which reduces the risk of falls and injuries. Additionally, these movements engage your core and pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in maintaining balance and posture. Improved balance is vital because it decreases the chances of falls, which are a leading cause of hospitalization and disability among older adults. Strong hips and legs help you recover more easily if you do stumble, preventing minor slips from becoming serious injuries. Many people hesitate to try deep squats because of concerns about knee pain, lack of flexibility, or fear of injuring their joints. However, research and practical experience show that when done with proper form and appropriate modifications, deep squats are safe and beneficial—even for those with mild joint discomfort. If you have knee pain, it often results from incorrect technique rather than the squat movement itself. Adjusting the depth, using support such as a chair or wall, and progressing gradually can help you build strength and flexibility without pain. Flexibility improves with consistent practice, so starting with small, manageable steps can lead to significant gains over time. Far from being harmful, deep squats can actually improve joint function and resilience when incorporated wisely into your routine. As a certified personal trainer and someone approaching 60 myself, I can attest to the transformative power of deep squats for aging bodies. They've helped me maintain mobility, reduce stiffness, and improve my overall strength and balance. For women especially, incorporating these movements supports pelvic floor health—a benefit often overlooked but essential for long-term wellbeing. In my experience, the key is starting where you are and respecting your body's limits. With patience and practice, deep squats can become a comfortable, empowering part of your fitness journey. The benefits of deep squat variations extend far beyond fitness—they impact how well you live your daily life and how independent you remain as you age. Incorporating these movements helps maintain hip mobility, strengthens key muscles, enhances balance, and supports better posture. All these factors contribute to reducing your risk of falls and injuries and help you move through your day with greater confidence and ease. If you've been avoiding deep squats because they sound difficult or intimidating, remember that many modifications and progressions exist to fit every fitness level. You don't need to go deep immediately; even small changes can make a difference over time. Investing in your hip health now is one of the best gifts you can give your future self. After all, staying mobile and strong means staying independent—and that's priceless at any age.
CTV News
20-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Older adults dying from unintentional falls
Older adults dying from unintentional falls A new report shows older adults are dying more from unintentional falls leads MedicalWatch for June 19, 2025.
