Outdoor 1-8 - Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce

14
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, July 2013
The Wellness Report
By: Lisa B. Galloway, MD
The Work Center of Susquehanna Health
Falls in the Elderly
Falls and the associated
morbidity and mortality
increase with age. Greater
than 30% of adults over 65
will experience a fall. The
costs of falls in this population
exceed $20 billion
a year. About 90% of hip
fractures in the elderly are
related to a fall. There are
many reasons why our fall
risk increases as we get older.
Physical changes related
to aging cause decrease in
muscle mass and delayed
re!exes which can cause
loss of footing and lead to
falls. Decreased visual acuity
and hearing may make
an older person less in-tune
with their environment
and lead to increased risk.
Medical conditions such as
arthritis, strokes, and neuropathy
can cause weakness
and balance issues. Medications
that cause sedation
or dizziness can increase
the likelihood of falling.
Although each older
person’s situation is different,
there are basic steps
that can be taken to decrease
the risk of falling.
1. Take good care of your
health. This means keeping
your bones strong, having
regular vision exams,
keeping hydrated, being
compliant and taking your
medicines regularly and
how prescribed. In addition
to prevention, see your doctor
if you develop signs of
dizziness, being off balance,
have had repeated falls,
become weak, etc. You have
to take extra care if you are
an older person living alone.
This may mean having an
alarm device for emergencies
or a daily contact with
someone outside your home
to ensure you remain well.
2. Keep moving as much
as you can. Physical activity
to a point helps keep
you active. Walking, water
aerobics, and exercises all
can help maintain balance
and coordination. If you are
unable to do these on your
own, your medical provider
may be able to send you
to physical therapy for a
strengthening or a balance
program.
3. Home safety. Keep things
secured that you could
trip over such as electrical
cords. Remove clutter and
throw rugs/loose carpet that
do not have non-skid backing.
Use non-skid !oor wax.
Make sure you have handrails
on stairs and porch
steps. Keep your house well
lit and use night lights in
halls and baths. Also, keep
things within your reach or
use a grabber so that you do
not have to climb on stepstools.
4. Personal safety. Wear
comfortable and sensible
shoes. Avoid shoes with
high heels, thick soles or
those that do not have nonskid
soles. Lace-up shoes
are safer than slip on shoes.
Avoid walking around in
your sock feet. Also, install
handles and other safety accessories
in your bath area.
Implementing these
measures will not only
decrease your risk of falling
but also ease your mind and
reduce your fear of falling
so that you can live life to
the fullest.
The views expressed in this
article may not neccessarily be
those of the Williamsport/Lycoming
Chamber of Commerce.
CAReedadpage14
Revolving Loan Fund
The Industrial Properties Corporation, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber
of Commerce and the City of Williamsport are committed to assisting
small businesses with their economic development projects. From building
renovations, expansion/working capital to equipment purchases, the
Revolving Loan Program can provide the nances you need to increase
business and ensure economic prosperity.
APPLICATION CRITERIA
The Revolving Loan Fund is available to:
• Individuals, corporations, limited liability companies and non-prot
organizations
• Gross sales less than $1,000,000 annually or employ less than 50
individuals
• Place of business or signicant amount of business in Lycoming
County
• Start up enterprises, expansion of existing business or relocation of
business to Lycoming County
For more information please contact:
Nancy J. Eischeid, CPA, Vice President & Chief Financial Ofcer
Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (570) 320-4206 Email: neischeid@williamsport.org