Prairie Faith Health Ministry News

Walking alongside individuals to meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs,

by connecting and/or creating healthy resources for their lives.

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Parish Nurse

 

Prairie Faith Parish Nurse News~~July 2021

 

 

Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

 

Falls can be serious:

 

• One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury. In fact, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury, especially if they are taking a blood thinner medication.
• Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
• Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture. Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
• More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.
• Each year about $50 billion is spent on medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries and $754 million is spent related to fatal falls.
• Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling.

 

 

If you take care of your overall health, and make some changes within your home environment, you will lower your chances of falling. Most of the time, falls and accidents don't "just happen". Here are a few tips to help you avoid falls, broken bones or other injury:

 

• Take your time. Don’t rush getting from point A to point B, be careful when using stairs, and stand for a moment after lying down or sitting, before you start walking, to allow your blood pressure to adjust.
• Stay physically active.Plan an exercise program that is right for you. Regular exercise improves muscles and makes you stronger. It also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Mild weight-bearing activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, may slow bone loss from osteoporosis. Yoga helps flexibility and balance.
• Have your eyes and hearing tested. Even small changes in sight and hearing may cause you to fall. When you get new eyeglasses or contact lenses, take time to get used to them. Always wear your glasses or contacts when you need them. If you have a hearing aid, be sure it fits well and wear it.
• Find out about the side effects of any medication you take. If a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
• Get enough sleep. If you are sleepy, you are more likely to fall.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your balance and reflexes. Studies show that the rate of hip fractures in older adults increases with alcohol use.
• Make your home safer by getting rid of things you could trip over like throw rugs or clutter. Be aware of where your pet is before you move in case they are close to your feet. Add grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet, install railings on both sides of stairs, and make sure your home has adequate lighting in all areas.
• Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk. Appropriate use of canes and walkers can prevent falls. A physical or occupational therapist can help you decide which devices might be helpful, select the correct size for you, and teach you how to use them safely. Make it a habit to use your cane or walker—it does no good standing in the corner!
• Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces which are slippery. Try to have sand or salt spread on icy areas by your front or back door.
• Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet. It is important that the soles are not too thin or too thick. Don't walk on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles.

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• Avoid wearing clothing that is too loose-fitting or so long that it drags on the floor creating a tripping hazard.
• Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you aren't hurt when you fall. A fall can alert your doctor to a new medical problem or problems with your medications or eyesight that can be corrected. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, a walking aid, or other steps to help prevent future falls.                                  

(Sources of information include National Institute on Aging and CDC)

 

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In the darker moments,

when clouds gather

and the heaviness we feel

seems overwhelming,

remind us of your love,

carrying the weight

of so much in that cross,

embracing the world

with arms outstretched

that we might know

freedom from the chains

which now constrain us.

Bring us to your light,

release our burdens,

and from despair bring hope. Amen.

 

(Prayer by John Birch   faithandworship.com)

 

 

     "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

 

 

 

 

Feel free to call or email to: schedule a confidential appointment to discuss your health/wellness questions,

schedule transportation to a medical/dental/counseling appointment if you need a ride, request a prayer shawl

for someone in the community going through a difficult time locate community health resources, request

other parish nurse work, or discuss your ideas for the health ministry!