Trips, Slips and Helpful Tips

With our ice covered sidewalks and streets, it’s no wonder falls are a big problem this time of year. But, even when the snow and ice melt, the risk is still constant. Each year an estimated 37.3 million falls are severe enough to require medical attention. In fact, globally, falls are a major public health concern. About 424,000 fatal falls occur each year, making it the second leading cause of unintentional injury death, after road traffic injuries.*

Most Common Fall Injuries

Head injuries

Fractures, sprains, torn tendons and ligaments.

Neck, back and spine injuries

Broken hips or broken pelvis

Preventing Falls

Start with your shoes

High heels, poorly fitting shoes or those with slick soles are almost certain to increase your risk for a fall especially on the many icy patches here in Minnesota during the winter months. Make sure you wear properly fitting sturdy shoes with nonskid soles.

Have you fallen before?

Take a second look at areas where you have fallen before to make sure you’ve done everything you can to prevent it from happening again whether that means putting salt down on the sidewalk or, if inside, would a railing or carpet help?

What medications are you taking?

Make a list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. Your doctor can review your medications for side effects and interactions that may increase your risk of falling.

What health conditions do you have?

Certain eye and ear disorders may increase your risk of falls. Be prepared to discuss your health conditions. Your doctor may evaluate your muscle strength, balance and walking style (gait) as well.

Look around your house and lighten it up

It’s important to make sure your house is well lit. As well, check that your home isn’t filled with the following hazards known to cause falls:

ü  Bubbling carpet or loose floorboards

ü  Electrical cords and phone cords near traffic areas

ü  Clothing, dishes, food and other necessities in hard-to-reach places

ü  Spilled liquids, grease or food

ü  Bathtubs or showers without nonslip mats or stickers

Exercise 

Physical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention. With your doctor's OK, consider activities such as walking, swimming or tai chi — a gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful dance-like movements. These exercises reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.

Five Facts You Need to Know About Heart Health

Did you know that 1 in 31 American women dies of breast cancer, while 1 in 3 women dies of heart disease? February is Heart Health month, let’s take this time to discuss heart health. Here are 5 facts that you need to know about heart disease:

1.    Heart disease causes 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately  one woman every minute.

2.    Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart  disease.

3.    Only 1 in 5 American women believe that heart disease is her greatest health  threat.

4.    Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease.

5.    In 2013, Minnesotans experienced almost 45,000 acute heart disease  hospitalizations.

The facts don't lie, heart health is a huge deal. Do you know the major signs of heart attacks in women? Check out these telltale signs of heart attacks in women:

1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
5. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

It's never too late to start taking care of your heart! For these and other facts about heart health, check out the American Heart Association!