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Warmer weather means spending more time outdoors. Although there are risks involved with many summer activities, there are lots of things you can do to make it a safe summer. For more information on avoiding heat exhaustion and summer injury prevention, visit http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/.

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths. Just last week, 93-year-old actress Zsa Zsa Gabor fell out of bed and broke her hip, ultimately she required hip replacement surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) knows that a fall in the home can be both life threatening and debilitating. Older Americans and their caregivers can take a proactive approach using the following AAOS guidelines to help keep seniors fall and injury-free.

Tips for the Home:

• Eliminate all tripping hazards, such as loose rugs in the home.
• Install grab bars or handrails on both sides of the stairway and other safety devices near bathtubs and beds.
• Place a lamp or flashlight near the bed.
• Keep clutter – like pets’ toys or papers – off the bedroom floor.
• Replace satiny bed sheets with products made of non-slippery material; i.e. wool or cotton.
• Arrange furniture to allow a clear pathway between rooms.
• Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or slip-resistant backing.
• Keep stairs clear of packages, boxes or other clutter.
• Install light-switches at the top and bottom of the stairs. Or, try motion-detector lights that turn on automatically.
• Put non-slip treads on each bare-wood step.
• Consider adding rails to the bed to prevent the sleeping person from rolling off.
• Keep track of pets, as these creatures are responsible for more than 86,000 fall-related injuries each year.

Dress:

• Wear properly-fitting shoes or slippers with non-skid soles, throughout the home and especially on stairs.
• Replace slippers that have stretched out of shape and are too loose.
• Never walk with socks or stockings on hardwood floors.
• Think about wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you cannot get up from a fall.

Watch the: 60 second television ad on falls prevention, Alone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2cfBBnt3Fo&feature=player_embedded

AAOS has more resources on falls:

• Guidelines for preventing falls
• Getting up from a fall
• Lifting techniques for caregivers

For more information on hip replacement surgery, visit http://www.bone-fix.com/ or call 239-368-8277.

Falls are a serious problem in Lee County. Falls are the most common cause of accidents in people over 65 years of age and the leading cause death to the injury. In fact, 94 people died in Lee County in 2008 due to falls. People living with orthopaedic conditions are especially at risk of falls and fall-related injuries.

The Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition is stepping up to help residents and their loved ones prevent falls and fall-related injuries and deaths through a community-wide campaign, appropriately named “Step WiseLee.”

Step Up and Do Your Part
Falls are not a normal part of aging. But according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they are more common among the elderly population and the leading cause of injury deaths. Hip fractures and head traumas are the most serious injuries resulting from falls. The CDC recommends taking the following steps to reduce the risk of falls:
• Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or non-stick pads under rugs
• Eliminate clutter in walkways such as cords, wires, shoes, clothes, books, etc.
• Keep items you regularly use within reach and stored safely in cabinets and drawers
• Have grab bars installed in showers, bathtubs, next to toilets and in hallways
• Use non-slip mats in bathtubs and shower floors
• Have handrails and lights installed on staircases
• Add nightlights in bathrooms and hallways
• Wear shoes both inside and outside the house and avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers
• Schedule an appointment annually to have your vision checked
• Encourage seniors to participate in regular exercise such as walking or water aerobics to maintain balance and muscle tone
• Have health care provider review medications

By working together, we can reduce the number of falls and fall-related injuries and deaths in Lee County. For more information, visit www.StepWiseLee.com.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there are more than 320,000 hospitalizations for hip fractures every year.

The total cost in medical bills and lost income resulting from hip fractures is more than $12.6 billion a year or an average of $37,000 per hip fracture.

Because of the aging U.S. population, the number of hip fractures is expected to reach about 650,000 by 2050.

More than 90 percent of hospitalizations for hip fractures are persons 65 and older. Women have a one in seven chance of having a hip fracture during their lifetime. Men have a one in 17 chance.

The aging Baby Boomer who may be caring for a parent with a broken hip also is in danger because the incidence of hip fractures starts to increase at age 45.

Who is vulnerable to a hip fracture?

Hip fractures are caused by a variety of factors that weaken bone and, often, are caused by the impact from a fall. The common characteristics of persons who are vulnerable to hip fractures are:

• Age. The rate increases for people 65 and older.
• Gender. Women have two to three times as many hip fractures as men.
• Heredity. A family history of fractures in later life, particularly in Caucasians and Asians. A small-boned, slender body.
• Nutrition. A low calcium dietary intake or reduced ability to absorb calcium.
• Personal habits. Smoking or excessive alcohol use.
• Physical impairments. Physical frailty, arthritis, unsteady balance and poor eyesight.
• Mental impairments. Senility, dementia, e.g., Alzheimer’s disease.
• Weakness or dizziness from side effects of medication.

For more information, call 239-368-8277 or visit www.bone-fix.com. For tips on preventing hip fractures, visit http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00305.

The spring is a time of increased outdoor activity. For many, this may mean the start of a new exercise routine. Whatever spring brings to you, the doctors at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons have information to help you step into the season safely.

The Great Outdoors

Spring is a great time to reevaluate your exercise program — or start one from scratch. Outdoor activities such as walking, biking and gardening are a great way to mix up your routine – plus give you a chance to take in the changing scenery. Some ideas include exercise walking or cross training. Here are tips for a safe running program.

Sporting Spring

Outdoor sports are a hallmark of spring. Baseball, softball and track and field are just a few of the activities we — and our children — enjoy. There is a risk for injury in all sports, but there are many ways to keep injuries at bay.

Baseball Injury Prevention
Throwing Injuries in the Elbow
A Guide to Safety for Young Athletes
Hamstring Muscle Injuries

Safe Spring Cleaning

Getting ready for spring and summer often means tackling that long list of home projects. Many of these activities — from painting to gardening — result in injury. Learn ways to avoid injuries and still give spring a warm welcome.

Ladder Safety Tips
Lawn Mower Safety
Preventing Back Pain at Work and at Home

For more information, call 239-368-8277 or visit bone-fix.com.

It’s that wonderful time of year again, but the hectic pace of the holiday season has some drawbacks. Many common holiday activities can lead to injuries that can make the season anything but jolly. Taking proper precautions during this busy time of year can ensure that you celebrate the season safely.

That’s why the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises taking proper precautions when participating in seasonal activities.

The hectic pace of the holiday season may cause people to unknowingly let their guard down, making them more susceptible to bone, joint and muscle-related injuries. Adults and children, whether at home or vacationing in cold-weather climates, can prevent injuries by being more cautious and celebrating in moderation. To ensure people celebrate the season safely, the AAOS recommends the following tips:

Avoid Painful Falls

• Do not drink and decorate. Save your celebratory drink for after the lights are up and illuminated.
• Select the right ladder for the job. When working at low and medium heights, choose step stools or utility ladders. Extension ladders are ideal for use outdoors to reach high places, as when hanging items from the rooftop. The weight the ladder is supporting should never exceed its maximum load capacity.
• Inspect ladders for loose screws, hinges or rungs that may not have been fixed from last use. Clean off any mud or liquids that have accumulated on the ladder.
• Properly set up the ladder on a firm, level surface. Watch for soft, muddy spots or uneven flooring, and never place a ladder on ground that is uneven. Remember the 1-to-4 rule: the bottom of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet that the ladder rises.
• Be careful when putting up holiday decorations, including lights and trees. Move materials with caution when on the ladder, and always position the ladder close to the work area, so you do not lose your balance and fall. Wear proper footwear with securely tied shoelaces.
• Use a step stool instead of furniture to stand on when you need a few more inches to hang a wreath or picture.
• Be mindful of any rearranged furniture and new decorations and make sure others in the house are familiar with the changes as well. Serious falls can happen when people trip over furniture placed in what used to be open space.
• Ask for help when moving heavy or awkward items.
• Minimize clutter and keep pathways clear of decorations, gift boxes and other items that can trip you up.

Manage your holiday “haul”

• Pack light and use luggage with wheels when traveling.
• Take care when placing luggage in an overhead compartment. First, lift it onto the top of the seat. Then, with hands situated on the left and right sides of the suitcase, lift it up. If your luggage has wheels, make sure the wheel side is set in the compartment first. Once wheels are inside, put one hand on top of the luggage and push it to the back of the compartment. To remove the luggage, reverse this process.
• Do not rush when lifting or carrying a suitcase or heavy package. If a piece of luggage is too cumbersome when traveling, either check it or ask for help. At the mall, minimize heavy loads by making frequent trips to the car.
• Always use proper lifting techniques. When lifting, bend at your knees and lift with your leg muscles, not your back and waist. Avoid twisting or rotating your spine.

Hip fractures are caused by a variety of factors that weaken bone and, often, are caused by the impact from a fall. The common characteristics of persons who are vulnerable to hip fractures are:

• Age: The rate increases for people 65 and older.
• Gender: Women have two to three times as many hip fractures as men.
• Heredity: A family history of fractures in later life, particularly in Caucasians and Asians. A small-boned, slender body.
• Nutrition: A low calcium dietary intake or reduced ability to absorb calcium.
• Personal habits: Smoking or excessive alcohol use.
• Physical impairments: Physical frailty, arthritis, unsteady balance and poor eyesight.
• Mental impairments: Senility, dementia, e.g., Alzheimer’s disease.
• Weakness or dizziness from side effects of medication.

Some tips for preventing hip fractures include the following:

• Be sure to include calcium and Vitamin D in your diet. Vitamin D plays a major role in calcium absorption and its incorporation in bone.
• Exercise to minimize bone loss. Your doctor can evaluate your physical condition and help you decide which activity suits you best.
• Eliminate smoking and excessive alcohol which can contribute to bone loss.
• Consult with your physician about medications that may alter your balance.
• Assess your home for potential fall risks and make changes to improve safety.
• Talk with your doctor to review your risk.

For more information, visit http://www.bone-fix.com/ or call 239-368-8277.