Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Late Spring 2021

Let’s be friends! Join us on social media to stay up to date with Sky Lakes news, stories, and fun events! Look for Sky Lakes Medical Center on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and now also on Twitter ! Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No.44 2865 Daggett Avenue Klamath Falls, OR 97601 By the Sky Lakes Medical Center Trauma Program Staff We know there are plenty of dangers in our everyday lives, but traumatic injuries from a fall—from a height or just ground level—rarely cross our minds. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate 1 in 4 older adults will experience a fall. Think First, a national injury prevention coalition, reports that falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries for children from birth to age 19. While being older than 65 is the greatest risk, many conditions can put you at risk for a potentially life- altering fall. They include: ▸ Arthritis; ▸ Diabetes; ▸ Chronic pain; ▸ Parkinson’s disease; ▸ Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease; ▸ Anemia or other blood disorders; ▸ Dizziness or difficulty balancing; ▸ Muscle weakness; ▸ Foot disorders; ▸ Substance abuse; ▸ Dehydration; and ▸ Low vitamin D levels. Prevention There are things people can do to prevent falls. For older adults, that includes visiting with your doctor to evaluate your overall fall risk. Also, ask your provider to review with you your medications and their side effects, especially dizziness, sleepiness or blood clotting factors. It’s also important to stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet. Your eye doctor can help you maintain good vision with regular eye checks. Adults can help children avoid falling by being especially aware of fall risks in and around bathrooms, bedrooms, stairs, playground equipment, shopping carts, high chairs and furniture they can climb onto. Parents should encourage their children to always wear helmets and protective sports gear. If infants are in the house, consider installing guardrails, baby or stair gates, and window guards where appropriate. Also, encourage play and balance-improving exercises with your children. FALLS AWARENESS Are you at risk for a fall? STEADY AS YOU GO. Over half of falls happen at home. Learn how simple changes can help keep you safe at SkyLakes.org/FallPrevention . ▸ Add balance and strength- training exercises to your daily habits. ▸ De-clutter your home, and aim for wide, clear walkways. ▸ Ensure that your home is well-lighted, and avoid dark areas while walking. ▸ Install guardrails and handrails where more stability is needed. ▸ Consider using nonslip bath mats, nonslip shoes and grab bars in showers. ▸ Seek assistance when climbing ladders or step stools for chores. ▸ Consider adding a medical alert or home monitoring system in case an accident occurs and you become stuck. Other prevention ideas include: