You At Your Best

SponSor Content SpeCiAl to nWA DemoCrAt-GAzette Dr. Alan Diamond, Dr. Stephen Gemmell, Dr. Arlene Nepomuceno, Dr. Randy Shinn, Dr. Teresa Shinn and Antoinette Hartman, APRN provide high-quality, comprehensive medical care for seniors at the new Washington Regional Senior Health Clinic located in the UAMS Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education in Springdale. Clinic services include geriatric primary care and consultations, and evaluations and care for movement and memory disorders. Appointments at the Senior Health Clinic are available by calling 479-463-4444. The clinic is located at 2422 N Thompson Street in Springdale and is open Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Washington Regional Senior Health Clinic also has another location in the Pat Walker Center for Seniors on the Washington Regional Campus in Fayetteville. More information is available at wregional.com/seniorhealth. Senior Care at UaMS Schmieding Center in Springdale SpeCiAl to nWA DemoCrAt-GAzette Every year, about one out of four adults age 65 and older falls, and about 20 percent of those falls result in serious injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, risk factors for falls include: • Lower-body weakness • Vitamin D deficiency • Balance problems or difficulty walking • Medications • Vision problems • Osteoporosis • Foot pain/poor footwear • Home safety hazards If you recognize some of these risk factors, you may want to ask your doctor to evaluate your risk of falling. "A complete physical exam can help determine if you have a medical condition that requires treatment to reduce your risk for falls," says Antoinette Hartman, APRN, of Washington Regional's Senior Health Clinic. For instance, Hartman says, some prescription medications and over-the- counter medicines can cause dizziness or sleepiness, making people more susceptible to falls. "If you're at risk for falls, talk with your doctor about trying a lower dose of these medicines or switching to a different medicine," she says. Here are some of Hartman's other suggestions for reducing your fall risk: Check your vision For some people, avoiding falls may be as simple as getting an eye exam. "Poor vision can lead you to trip or misstep and fall, particularly in poor lighting," according to Hartman. "Make sure you get a comprehensive exam at least once every year, and wear corrective lenses if needed." People who wear bifocal or progressive lenses may want to get a pair of glasses with only their distance prescription for outdoor activities, such as walking. Sometimes bifocal lenses can make judging distances during activities more difficult and lead to falls. Make your home safe Most falls occur at home. Look for trip hazards, such as loose carpets or obstructions in walkways. Increase your home's lighting so you can see. Add grab bars in the bathroom to help you safely navigate the tub and toilet. Add a second railing to your staircase. Wear shoes instead of socks in your house. Shoes with rubber soles will give you good grip. Add exercise to your daily routine Nearly everyone can safely exercise at home with little or no equipment. Adding exercise can help treat common causes of falls such as osteoporosis, balance problems and lower body weakness. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to exercise at home. "Most falls can be prevented," Hartman says. "It's important to look at the simple things you can do to keep yourself from falling." See your way to avOiDiNg FallS poor vision can lead you to trip or misstep and fall, particularly in poor lighting. SATURdAY, AUgUST 31, 2019 | SEpTEmBER - ViSiOn HEAlTH nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 13

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