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Fall in love, not on the ground

February 22, 2017

Elvis was a rock 'n' roll icon, lyricist and lover with dance moves that could break a hip. It is the season of love, but one of Elvis' songs speaks volumes with respect to falling in general. "Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can't help falling in love with you." Perhaps Elvis couldn't help falling, but you can.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 2.8 million older people are treated in emergency departments each year for fall injuries, with nearly 1 million resulting in some sort of fracture or head injury. When you understand the simple forces behind how falls happen, you can take steps to limit risks and reduce the likelihood of becoming another statistic.

The act of falling occurs when your center of gravity moves too far away from your base of support to control. Your center of gravity is a dynamic and changing location based on posture, body size and movement, but the easiest place to find your center of gravity is a point just above your bellybutton. Your base of support in standing is the midpoint between your feet, which again can change and move depending on activity or positioning. In an ideal environment, these two points should stay in line to achieve perfect balance.

Falls occur when these two points no longer line up (i.e., walking bent over with a walker, turning/twisting too quickly to reach for something, carrying heavy items upstairs in your hands). A shift of your center of gravity too far in any direction can cause a fall in that direction. Unfortunately, as you age, your body often struggles to maintain this balance relationship, so taking steps to be proactive about safety and balance is vital. When considering fall prevention, a few simple steps can be taken to improve your stability and independence.

  • Talk with your physician: Your doctor can help identify risks, review medications that may increase dizziness or falls, and help you take steps toward improving your safety. Don't be afraid to start the conversation.
  • Make your environment safer: In your home, find ways to reduce clutter, clear paths for easy movement between rooms, reduce poorly lit areas and possibly install grab bars in the bathroom to improve stability.
  • Perform balance and strengthening exercises: Increasing lower body and postural strength enhances your ability to maintain the relationship between your center of gravity and base of support. A licensed physical therapist can help address your specific limitations that contribute to higher fall risks and reduce physical deficits to improve your quality of life.

Identifying and reducing risks helps you avoid needless falls. Take steps toward better balance and regain your freedom of movement.

Joshua Smith, PT, DPT, MDT, is a member of the Beebe Physical Rehabilitation Services team, which operates locations in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Georgetown and Millville. He is a graduate of Arcadia University with a post-doctoral degree specializing in the assessment and treatment of spinal disorders. For more information, go to www.beebehealthcare.org/beebe-rehab-services.

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