Ice and Seniors
1. A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
2. A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
3. A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately! When a Winter Storm Watch is issued . . .
4. Listen to the local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
5. Be alert to changing weather conditions.
6. Avoid unnecessary travel. When a Winter Storm Warning is issued . . .
7. Stay indoors during the storm. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
8. Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.As winds increase, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
9. Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
10. After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
*For complete article: http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com/home_safety_tips_for_seniors.html
Slips and Falls During the Frigid Days of Winter
Here are eight tips to follow:
1. Check your footwear. Examine your shoes and boots. How's the traction? Is it time for a new pair? Better traction can help keep you more stable on icy surfaces.
2. Keep your shovel and salt in your house. The reason you have a shovel and salt is so you don't have to walk on a slippery sidewalk. If you have to traverse through the snow and ice to get to your garage where the salt and shovel are kept, that defeats the purpose.
3. Check the railings. If you have railings leading up to your front door, check to see if they're sturdy. If you slipped, would they be able to support you?
4. Bring a cell phone when you leave the house. If you fall, it can sometimes be hard to get up. Carrying a cell phone whenever you go out can bring peace of mind.
5. Slow down. Allow extra time if it's slippery out. It's when you hurry that you end up pushing the envelope of what your balance can handle. Also, keep in mind that being a little late is better than rushing and causing a fall.
6. Ask for help. If you have to walk across an icy sidewalk or parking lot, try to find a steady arm to lean on. Most people are happy to help an older person navigate a slippery walkway? You just have to ask.
7. Have a plan. When you are going out, ask yourself, "If I slipped and fell here, what would I do?"
8. Strengthen your legs. Strong leg muscles can help you steady yourself if you slip. And if you do fall, they make it a lot easier to get back up. You should exercise your legs regularly to keep them strong. Try walking up and down your stairs repeatedly or do a set of ten squats out of a chair a couple times per week.
*Original article: http://ezinearticles.com/?8-Winter-Fall-Prevention-Tips-For-Seniors&id=903836
Life Alert For Balance and Falls
Falls: Causes, Prevention, and What To Do If It Happens
by Dr. Don Rose
INTRODUCTION
A fall can happen to us all. This is true no matter what our age. While falls are not the inevitable result of getting older, the odds go up as one advances in age.
SYMPTOMS THAT CAN LEAD TO FALLS
Dizziness, lightheadedness, and general weakness can all cause a fall, and each condition may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. In addition, a fall may be a symptom of a serious illness, such as a heart attack, stroke, internal bleeding, or pneumonia. Falls may also indicate a drinking problem; alcohol abuse is an alarming trend among more and more seniors.
HOW FALLS OCCUR
As one ages, eyesight and hearing ability often decreases. Slower reflexes and decreased coordination and muscle strength can limit our ability to take action in avoiding a fall when it starts to happen. Medical conditions like heart disease or low blood pressure can affect balance. Medicines or alcohol can cause lightheadedness. Arthritis can throw off balance, and osteoporosis can weaken bones so they break more easily than when one is young. Fortunately, the most preventable factors are usually things in the home; many folks, especially seniors, just aren't aware of the hazards they have in their abodes.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FALL
If you fall, are badly injured, and can get to a phone, dial 911 and/or someone you know who can take you to a doctor or emergency room. Many seniors should call their health care provider or emergency number after a fall, even if there appears to be little or no injury, just to be safe. Also note that head injuries can be very serious.
Another consideration: a fall may be a symptom of a serious illness. Your health professional can examine you and may order x-rays or other tests, if needed. Also, tell your doctor if you think one or more of your medicines are affecting your balance or causing dizziness.
Lastly, we must consider cases where someone is injured at home and cannot reach a phone. For seniors living alone, the increased odds of a fall means a medical alarm system is a vital step to ensure protection. Just as we use medical insurance to protect our health and assets, a medical alarm system acts as a form of additional insurance when something happens (like a fall) that could be life-threatening when a phone is out of reach. Life Alert can provide this protection; subscribers to Life Alert wear a small pendant which, when pressed, can summon help 24/7 if something happens to you and you cannot reach a phone. See www.lifealert.com for more details.
For original article: http://www.seniorprotection.com/healthtips/falls.aspx
Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Safety Check List
For full article:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/checklistforsafety.htm