William Penn Life, 2001 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-06-01 / 6. szám
FALLOUT Taking a spill can have serious consequences SINCE THE FIRST CAVEMAN slipped on a banana peel, the pratfall has been a standard of comedy. Comedian-actor Chevy Chase gained fame for his numerous falls portraying former President Gerald Ford, who made several well-documented physical slips during his tenure in the Oval Office. Admit it, you've laughed at socalled "physical comedy" and maybe even at President Ford. After all, nobody got hurt, right? Unfortunately, falls are serious business. How serious? To find out, we invite you to take the following "Fall Prevention Quiz" which comes to us courtesy of the National Safety Council. 1. In 1996, how many people died as a result of a fall? a. 1,000 b. 5,100 c. 14,100 2. What percentage of falls occur at home? a. 10 b. 25 c. 40 3. What accounts for the most falls that result in death? a. Ladders b. Stairs and steps c. Slippery tile HealthFact According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among Americans age 65 and older. The direct cost of fallrelated injuries to people of this age group is more than $20 billion a year. 4. If you're over 65, what are your chances of falling? a. 1 in 20 b. 1 in 5 c. 1 in 3 5. True or False? If seniors account for the most falling injuries, then children account for the least. 6. True or False? You should have your hearing checked to prevent a fall. 7. True or False? Depression causes people to fall more often. ANSWERS: 1. C. According to the National Safety Council, only motor-vehicle crashes killed more people. One in four visitors to a hospital emergency room is there because of a fall. 2. G So says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Since we spend more time at home than anywhere else, that's where we're likely to fall. 3. B. More than 42 percent of falling deaths result from stairs and steps, according to the CPSC. Beds rate second at 10 percent, while ladders account for 9 percent. To reduce injuries, make sure stair height and tread widths are adequate, and each step is identical in size. Install a second handrail if the stairs are wide enough and light switches at the top and bottom of stairs. Also, be sure carpeting on steps is tightly woven and installed so it doesn't move or slide. 4. C. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, seniors have a 33 percent chance of falling in any year. To lessen your risks, install proper lighting and use automatic night lights in your home. Move seldomused items to unused storage space, and tack down carpeting with double-sided tape. Five ways to prevent a fall 1. Clean up! Remove clutter and boxes, especially from stairs and high-traffic areas. Clean up spills immediately. 2. Re-route obstructing electrical cords. 3. Fill holes and depressions around your property. 4. Read the instructions for proper use of ladders, step stools and other household equipment. 5. Replace old light bulbs. But always use the appropriate wattage listed. Source: National Safety Council 5. False. Children 10 years old and under accounted for half of hospital visits related to falls. To help keep your child safe, supervise babies on beds and changing tables, and strap them into high chairs and strollers. Make porches, balconies and fire escapes off limits and use safety gates. Place chairs, beds and other climbing aids away from windows. 6. True. Hearing plays an important part in balance and space perception. You should also have your eyes checked regularly. 7. False. However, some medications used to treat depression and other diseases can leave people dizzy or disoriented and more susceptible to falls. Review your medications with your doctor to see if they cause balance problems. Hl|l|,| William Pill Life. June 200 I 5
