Exercise programs aimed at preventing falls in seniors may also reduce injuries caused by falls, according to a recent review.

Falls among older adults increase the risk of nursing home admission and have a significant economic impact.

The U.S. National Institute on Aging provides resources about falls in older adults.

"Every player on the field is important and if a player is not working, then your team — your balance — is going to be impacted."

Even if a fall does not result in injury, it can trigger a fear of falling in seniors.

Fee recommends that a fall risk assessment is an important first step toward preventing falls.

Physicians or health care providers can refer older adults to physical therapists to evaluate their risk for falls.

Goralnik noted that many falls and fall-related injuries lead to difficulty with daily activities and a need for supportive care.

It is crucial for seniors to speak with their doctor about any changes in walking, new instability, or new musculoskeletal pain.

"Without any change, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease could more than double."

Snyder reported no conflicts of interest.

A financial analyst described how practicing tai chi helped her manage the stress of her career and avoid burnout, saying she had more energy and an easier time navigating challenges.

Tai chi can help people remain centered and focused, preventing distraction.

Alcohol use is another risk factor for falls that can be managed.

Fractures are the most common injury from falls among seniors.

Once an older adult has fallen, their risk of future falls increases.

Fatal falls are most often due to hip fractures or head injuries.

Fatal head injury falls are more common in men, those on blood thinners, and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Dr. Michael Mosley reported that four minutes a day spent on balance exercises, including tai chi, can support longer life, based on studies including balance tests.

YMCA programs for seniors can improve health through exercise.

Exercise programs aimed at preventing falls in seniors may also reduce injuries caused by falls, according to a recent review.

Title:

Content: Exercise programs meant to prevent falls in seniors may also help prevent injuries caused by falls, according to a new review.

Fall-related injuries are common among seniors and a major cause of long-term pain and disability. They also increase the risk of having to go to a nursing home and have a high economic cost.

The new findings, published online Oct. 29 in the journal bmj.com, suggest that "reducing the risk of falling and improving protective responses during a fall may be an important and feasible means of preventing fractures and other serious injuries in the elderly," the study authors wrote in a journal news release.

Well-designed exercise programs can prevent falls in seniors living at home, but there is a lack of evidence on whether such programs can help prevent fall-related injuries, said French researchers Fabienne El-Khoury and colleagues.

In this review, they analyzed 17 studies that looked at whether fall-prevention exercises lowered seniors' risk of fractures and other injuries caused by falls. More than 4,000 participants were involved in all.

Tai Chi was the exercise in two of the studies, but most of them used gait, balance, strength and functional training, which involves workouts that help people do normal daily activities.

Most of the programs reduced fall-related injuries and appeared to significantly curb falls that lead to fractures, serious injuries and medical care.

Balance training was emphasized in all of the exercises that were effective in preventing falls, the researchers noted.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more about older adults and falls.

Latest videos

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Falls among older adults increase the risk of nursing home admission and have a significant economic impact.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

The U.S. National Institute on Aging provides resources about falls in older adults.

"Every player on the field is important and if a player is not working, then your team — your balance — is going to be impacted."

Title:

Content: Healthy aging comes with challenges. For a variety of reasons, as each year passes, the likelihood of falling increases.

According to Dr. Boris Goralnik, a geriatric specialist at UPMC in North Central Pa, a fall is defined as an unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level.

“Falls result in fall-related injuries, progression of gait impairments, loss of independence, depression,” Goralnik said. “It is a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.”

By preventing falls, providers try to prevent related injuries such as fractures, hematomas, and skin lacerations. From practice and literature, said Goralnik, the most important risk factor of falls is a previous history of falls.

According to Janine Fee, MS, MPT, a physical therapist who is certified in vestibular rehabilitation at Evangelical Community Hospital, physical balance, which is important to avoid falling, can be complicated.

“I like to use the analogy of a baseball field,’’ Fee said. “Every player on the field is important and if a player is not working, then your team — your balance — is going to be impacted.”

Fee said many systems have a direct impact on balance. Eyes, ears, sense of touch — especially with our feet, muscle strength, flexibility, and posture are a few. And, the brain can have a major impact on our ability to avoid falling.

Fee said any weakening of one or more of these areas will significantly increase the risk of falling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, one out of four seniors over the age of 65 will fall each year. One out of five of those falls will cause serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

“This can then lead to serious consequences that may significantly impact a person’s overall quality of life,” said Fee. “Even if the fall didn’t cause harm, it is likely that the person now develops a fear of falling.”

Many factorsIn many cases, Goralnik said, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency in activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults. He agreed with Fee that a fear of falling leads to things like not participating in activities that require balance, causing weaknesses and furthering the risk of repeated falls. Paying attention to the body and being more aware of areas contributing to balance is a big step in preventing falls.

Age alone should not be blamed as a factor regarding balance, said Fee.

“I strongly believe that if you stay active, you can minimize the effects that aging has on all of these players,” Fee said.

Diseases and underlying medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, neuropathy, strokes, vision problems, and pain can impact a person’s balance. Other factors such as medications, fear of falling, and environmental factors.

It is very important for older patients to discuss with their providers any changes in the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they start to experience new musculoskeletal pain, Goralnik advised.

“Some of the medications may increase the risk of falls,” said Goralnik. “It is very important for people to have a complete list of all current medications when they visit their medical providers.”

Having detailed information, he said, about existing and potential risk factors may help reduce the risk of future falls.

Fee added that testing can be completed to assess balance and what kind of treatment or therapy might be available to assist with balance. Fee said a fall risk assessment is a good first step to preventing falls.

“You can talk to your doctor or health care provider to refer you to a physical therapist to evaluate your risk for falling,” said Fee.

She said a physical therapist will measure/evaluate strength, flexibility, analyzation of posture and feet, how you walk and perform specific balance measures to determine your areas of weakness. The therapist may also ask about fall history and possible home hazards like uneven pavement, rugs, steps, clutter or pets.

“Then a physical therapist can design a specialized treatment program to help you reduce your risk of falls,” Fee said. “Other recommendations to improve overall balance is getting involved in a local gym where you can perform strength and balance exercises like Tai Chi or yoga.”

Temporary conditionsIn addition to medical conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, etc., other temporary conditions also have effects on an individual’s balance.

Fee, a physical therapist who specializes in inner ear disorders, said the most common inner ear problem is a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Classic symptoms include brief episodes of spinning or imbalance that occur when lying down, rolling over in bed, or looking up.

“BPPV can significantly increase a person’s risk for falling especially if they have other balance risk factors. This problem is easily identified by the physical therapist that is trained in detecting inner ear problems,” she added.

Fee said a physical therapist with specialized training can provide the most appropriate intervention to reduce or resolve these symptoms in as little as one to three sessions.

Fee said physical therapists can often identify risk factors and provide specific recommendations to improve balance.

“Physical therapists are like coaches, but you have to do the work. In order for your balance to improve, you have to challenge the team!”

Goralnik added, that in many cases, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency with activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults.

The economic burdens from falls are substantial and likely to increase with the growth of the older population, according to Goralnik.

Fall-related health care costs include hospital bills, fees for professional service, and costs of prescription medications, home health services, long-term care facilities, and durable medical equipment.

“Always inform your doctor about recent falls and fall-related injuries,” concluded Gorainik.

It is very important for seniors to discuss any changes of the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they started to experience new musculoskeletal pain with their doctor.

Trending Video

Even if a fall does not result in injury, it can trigger a fear of falling in seniors.

Fee recommends that a fall risk assessment is an important first step toward preventing falls.

Physicians or health care providers can refer older adults to physical therapists to evaluate their risk for falls.

Goralnik noted that many falls and fall-related injuries lead to difficulty with daily activities and a need for supportive care.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

It is crucial for seniors to speak with their doctor about any changes in walking, new instability, or new musculoskeletal pain.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

"Without any change, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease could more than double."

Title:

Content: Lifestyle Interventions and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's and Dementia

— "Without any change, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease could more than double"

MedpageToday

Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's and other dementias may be delayed for some at-risk older adults, recent clinical trials have suggested.

The ACHIEVE study, for example, reported that hearing aids cut the rate of cognitive decline by 48% over 3 years in older adults who had a high risk of dementia. And in a randomized controlled trial of people with mild cognitive impairment or self-reported memory concerns, cognitively enhanced tai-chi led to improved global cognition scores.

"Currently, two-thirds of Americans have at least one major risk factor for dementia," said Heather Snyder, PhD, of the Alzheimer's Association in Chicago.

"The need for effective risk reduction strategies to help all communities grows larger by the day," Snyder stated. "Without any change, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease could more than double by mid-century."

In 2015, the FINGER study in Finland was the first randomized controlled trial to show it was possible to delay cognitive decline using a multidomain lifestyle intervention.

In the U.S., the POINTER study is evaluating multiple ways to protect cognition in 2,000 at-risk older adults. "Recruiting for the clinical trial was successfully completed in March 2023," Snyder said. "The study is expected to begin reporting results in summer 2025."

"U.S. POINTER community-based teams recruited nearly 30% of participants from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in research, including racially and ethnically minoritized individuals and those from rural areas," she added.

New Clinical Trial Data

About 40% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed by modifying 12 risk factors, according to a 2020 report from the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care.

In the past year, several trials have shown that lifestyle interventions -- notably ones involving physical exercise or hearing aids -- could delay dementia onset. Two trials have combined exercise with a cognitive component, including a study of cognitively enhanced tai chi in older adults at risk for dementia, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

"Research has shown that both physical and mental activity may attenuate age-related declines in cognitive function and dual task activities, but combined physical and mental challenges may be more effective than either alone," said study co-author Peter Harmer, PhD, MPH, of the Oregon Research Institute in Eugene.

Cognitively enhanced tai chi was designed to synergistically stimulate neuroplasticity, Harmer noted. The regimen included an emphasis on performing properly despite an interfering mental or motor task, following instructions that required recalling names and detailed steps, and distinguishing correct from miscued instructions.

The study randomized older adults with mild cognitive impairment or self-reported memory concerns to stretching, standard tai chi, or cognitively enhanced tai chi for 1 hour semi-weekly for 24 weeks. The cognitively enhanced tai chi group outperformed other groups on improvements in both global cognition scores and dual-task performance while walking, with effects persisting at 48 weeks.

The SYNERGIC trial, published in JAMA Network Open, took a different approach to combining physical exercise and cognitive training. SYNERGIC randomized older adults with mild cognitive impairment to physical exercise with or without cognitive training and vitamin D supplementation for 20 weeks.

Overall, those who received aerobic-resistance exercises with sequential computerized cognitive training had improved cognition, but some results were inconsistent.

The multidomain intervention effect was larger than the improvement from exercise alone, reported Manuel Montero-Odasso, MD, PhD, of the Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario, and co-authors, and vitamin D supplementation showed no significant benefit. In several arms of the trial, cognitive improvements diminished slightly at 12 months, but did not revert to baseline levels.

Another intervention that showed promise was the use of hearing aids. Hearing loss is treatable in later life, which makes it an important public health target to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, noted Frank Lin, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and colleagues who reported the findings of the ACHIEVE trial in The Lancet.

ACHIEVE assigned participants to one of two interventions -- either hearing aids or a health education program. Both groups received follow-up visits every 6 months, and cognitive tests were conducted every year for 3 years.

The trial's main analysis showed no difference in the rate of change in cognitive functioning between the hearing aid group and the education group. In a pre-specified analysis of participants with high risk for future dementia, however, cognitive decline was reduced over 3 years in those assigned to wear hearing aids compared with those who received health education.

Policies to Help Reduce Cognitive Decline

Research about Alzheimer's and dementia risk factors is evolving, and Lancet Commission researcher Gill Livingston, MD, of the University College London in England, is optimistic that policymakers will continue to use new insights to help reduce global cognitive decline.

Since 2020, several countries have taken steps to address modifiable risk factors, Livingston noted. "U.S. policy has changed, and many countries and the World Health Organization have issued new policy documents," she said.

In the U.S., the 2023 update to the National Alzheimer's Project Act included new risk reduction strategies, Livingston pointed out. The CDC also extended its Healthy Brain Initiative program with state and local health officials.

An updated Lancet Commission report about dementia is under review and should be published this year, Livingston said.

Disclosures

Snyder had no conflicts of interest.

Harmer reported no conflicts of interest.

Livingston had no conflicts of interest.

Snyder reported no conflicts of interest.

A financial analyst described how practicing tai chi helped her manage the stress of her career and avoid burnout, saying she had more energy and an easier time navigating challenges.

Title:

Content: Homepage

A financial analyst explains how tai chi 'stress bending' helped her avoid burnout in her high-stakes career

  • Former financial analyst Shirley Chock said tai chi helped her thrive in a career prone to burnout.
  • She now teaches tai chi full-time to help others boost their focus and energy while reducing stress.
  • Tai chi has been linked to a longer life, lower risk of illness, and better mental health, research suggests.
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Former Yale financial analyst Shirley Chock is no stranger to stress.

Throughout her career, she saw her peers crumbling from the pressure of juggling a heavy workload and high-stakes assignments while trying to keep their health and their personal lives afloat.

In contrast, Chock found herself much better off, working her way up through the ranks to a manager position and even netting a Working Mother of the Year award, with energy to spare.

Her "secret" to success? Tai chi, a traditional Chinese martial art known for slow, gentle movements, which she said helped her stress-proof her routine.

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"I realized I was applying what I was learning in the martial art to my career and my life," she told Business Insider. "It was like I discovered a secret scroll because no one talked about tai chi in this way."

Tai chi was the key to staying healthy, focused, and energized in a career that left colleagues burned out, according to Chock.

"They just seemed like they were beaten down and facing obstacles all the time. And it was a much easier road for me to navigate the career," she said. "I had energy at the end of the day."

The experience was so profound that Chock left her finance career to teach the art full time with Aiping Tai Chi, a Connecticut-based school with a growing social media presence.

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Now her goal is to create an "army of stress-benders," demonstrating how to use tai chi to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost physical and mental health even (or especially) in a fast-paced, ambitious lifestyle.

"It helps you to stay centered so that you don't get distracted by all of these things that are trying to pull you away from your focus," Chock said.

How tai chi can make you mentally and physically stronger as you age

Chock found tai chi by accident. She initially used the deliberate, graceful movements of the practice to recover from an injury while training and competing in mixed martial arts and kung fu.

"I thought it would just be a recovery thing for me because I really wanted to do the cool acrobatic moves," Chock said. "I had this misconception that had was for old people like everybody else."

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It's true that tai chi has some serious benefits for healthy aging, helping to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability. Evidence also suggests it can help lower blood pressure, even in younger people. Practicing tai chi has been linked to better wellbeing, lower risk of anxiety, and fewer symptoms of depression in some studies.

But Chock was most excited about how learning tai chi was teaching her about habits to improve focus and energy in the rest of her life, and became hooked on the challenge of mastering the subtly of the art.

For instance, the tai chi concept of allowing your body to flow with gravity instead of resisting it beautifully illustrates how you can choose to respond to life challenges too, prioritizing what matters instead of becoming distracted by conflicts that ultimately aren't worth your energy.

Practicing stress management and focus through movement not only gives you the physical benefits of the exercise, but a deeper understanding of what it means than you might get from picking up a self-help book.

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"You might learn it in theory, but then when you need to apply it, you don't actually have it," Chock said. "Tai chi is a way for you to understand these philosophies in life by learning them through your body. In that moment where you're overloaded, the body just knows what to do."

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What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

An overall sense of well-being.
Lower stress levels.

Tai chi can help people remain centered and focused, preventing distraction.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

What does Ruth Taylor-Piliae of University of Arizona's College of Nursin say about Tai Chi?

She tells NPR that Tai Chi's gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing tend to activate what's known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body during times of stress.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

An overall sense of well-being.
Higher mental clarity.

Alcohol use is another risk factor for falls that can be managed.

Title:

Content: Falls by seniors represent serious health concern

NEW YORK, April 11 (UPI) -- For seniors, life can change in the blink of an eye if they trip on a rug or slip on a wet floor.

Injuries from falls represent a significant source of pain, disability, loss of independence and early death in order adults, according to the World Health Organization.

About 1 in 4 Americans age 65 and older -- more than 14 million -- reports falling every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the rate is increasing, the CDC says.

"Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S --making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group," the agency says.

And the National Institute on Aging reports that "the risk of falling -- and fall-related problems -- rises with age."

In late March, former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman's death at age 82 due to complications from a fall at his home cast the spotlight on serious injuries that can affect seniors.

Another celebrity who endured falls was the late Nancy Reagan. The former first lady stumbled multiple times in her senior years, fracturing her pelvis, tailbone and ribs.

The reasons people are more likely to fall as they age stem in part from age-related changes in gait, strength and balance, said Dr. Elizabeth Phelan, a falls expert and founding director of the Fall Prevention Clinic at UW Medicine in Seattle.

"However, falls are not inevitable," said Phelan, who also is a professor of geriatrics. "They are largely preventable. Awareness of what contributes to falls is critical to preventing them."

Vision and hearing impairments contribute to falls. So does the accumulation of chronic conditions that affect cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neurological systems. And a drop in blood pressure -- which may happen when someone stands up after lying down or sitting -- also raises fall risk, Phelan said.

Medications that cloud people's thinking or make them feel sleepy or off-balance are another major risk factor for falls. People who die from a fall tend to take multiple medications -- six on average, she said.

"It's important for people to understand the link between medications and falls, and to initiate conversations with their doctors about whether there is an ongoing need for each of their medications," Phelan said. "There are safer alternatives to medications for many symptoms."

Alcohol use also is a risk factor that can be controlled. Recent research has found an increase in alcohol consumption among older adults and a rise in emergency department visits for alcohol-related fall injuries, she said.

Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors reduces the chances of falling. Among people who fall repeatedly, falls "are not purely accidental," Phelan said. "This is a commonly held, but false belief. In fact, falls result from the interaction of a person with their environment."

People who experience fatal falls may have had preceding decline in their functional ability -- physical, cognitive or both -- that led them to limit their outdoor mobility, so their falls occur indoors, Phelan said.

While hip fractures are associated with more advanced age and an underlying neurological condition, she noted that head injuries are more common among men, people who take blood thinners and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Even improper footwear can play a role in falls, said Dr. Amanda Lathia, a geriatrician who helps manage the interdisciplinary falls clinic at University Hospitals in Cleveland.

"Wearing slippers or socks in the home increases the risk for falling," Lathia said. "It is best to wear shoes with good support in the home and outside the home."

Other hazards include a lack of handrails, clutter, stairs, poor lighting, ice, snow and pets, Lathia said, noting that "the bathroom is the location of most falls as we get older."

She suggested installing handrails in the bathroom and along all stairwells, using a raised toilet seat, and avoiding going outside in bad weather.

Although most falls don't cause injury, potentially serious ones can occur. Fractures are the most common. Having a hip fracture increases the risk of dying, particularly within the first year afterward, Lathia said.

Fall-induced head trauma, such as a brain bleed, can lead to death if left treated. And if older adults fall and remain stuck on the ground for a long time, they can suffer a traumatic breakdown of muscle, which can lead to serious kidney failure and even death, she said.

Once an older adult falls, the risk for future falls rises. This "unfortunately leads to the double-edged sword of people starting to restrict their activities because they're afraid to fall," said Dr. Laurie Theriot, chief of geriatric medicine at Prisma Health's upstate region in Greenville, S.C.

"It's counterintuitive, but we actually want to see that patient walk more, create a support system and get more active to improve balance and mobility," Theriot said.

"In the hospital, we consult on so many falls that involve broken hips," she said, cautioning that health professionals need "to be really careful how we obtain [a patient's] history because, especially with osteoporosis, we may find that you fractured your hip before you fell."

That's because "osteoporosis is often undiagnosed because gradual loss of bone density is not painful until the bone actually breaks," Theriot said.

Falls that lead to death are most often due to hip fractures or head injuries. People who die after a fall that results in a hip fracture tend to be older and have an underlying neurological condition, Phelan said.

On the other hand, she noted that fatal falls stemming from a head injury are more common among men, people who take blood thinners and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Another problem arises when people forget if they took their medications, said Andrea Fleischman, an assistant professor in the department of occupational therapy at Creighton University Health Sciences Campus-Phoenix.

"Sometimes, older individuals will double up on their medication regimen, which can make them increasingly lethargic or dizzy," Fleischman said. She said she recommends that older adults regularly review medications with their clinicians and family members, especially if they have memory issues.

Fall prevention strategies include regular exercise to maintain muscle mass and bone density. Routine physicals and vision checkups are also important, Fleischman said.

She also cited the importance of ensuring the home is safe from tripping hazards, such as throw rugs. That's because older adults may not be able to catch themselves or cushion a fall as easily as younger or middle-aged people.

But whether injuries lead to death depends to a large extent on the person's age and overall health status, Fleischman said.

Even so, "the unfortunate statistic is that the morbidity rate for a person who falls and breaks a hip is upwards of 50%," she said. "It's due to decreased mobility."

Older adults often hit their head because protective reflexes -- which prompt people to put their hands out to stop or cushion a fall -- diminish with advanced age, Fleischman said.

After a fall, timely medical care and follow-up can make a difference. "Hopefully you're able to recover, but you need that additional support to determine your risks and prevent future falls," Theriot said.

She added that "physical therapy, occupational therapy and interventions like a fall risk assessment in your home environment are all important."

Fractures are the most common injury from falls among seniors.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Once an older adult has fallen, their risk of future falls increases.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Fatal falls are most often due to hip fractures or head injuries.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Fatal head injury falls are more common in men, those on blood thinners, and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Dr. Michael Mosley reported that four minutes a day spent on balance exercises, including tai chi, can support longer life, based on studies including balance tests.

Title:

Content: Diet and wellbeing guru Dr Michael Mosley has revealed that doing one thing for four minutes a day is almost guaranteed to make you live longer. The TV doctor who has recently published his Just One Thing book in paperback said the simple practice of standing on one leg was the ‘number one’ predictor in a scientific study which predicted if a person lived longer.

Speaking on the 15.5 stories broadcast to Masterchef winner Thomasina Miers he said that if people build it into their everyday lives - he does it when brushing his teeth - it was a brilliant way to improve their chances of staying alive for longer.

He explained that it tested the brain in many different ways, improving balance, helping leg muscles and co-ordinating with the inner ear. One reason it is successful in helping with a longer life is balance - if people have falls when they are elderly it is potentially lethal - and can cause serious health problems and injuries.

Dr Mosley, who is famous for creating the 5:2 and Fast 800 eating plans, said the extensive survey - published in the British Medical Journal - involved running lots of tests on some middle aged people - and then following up 20 years later. And the people who lived longer had mostly performed the best in the balance test.

Speaking about exercises which people find help with their health, Dr Mosley told Thomasina Miers: “We talked about resistance exercise - the squat and the press-up - to build up your muscles. There’s also aerobic exercise where you go for a run, walk or cycle and that works your heart and your lungs.

“But balance is something we don’t really think about that much because we take it for granted. But actually balance is an extraordinary thing. We are pretty much the only mammal that can stand on two legs.

“That was an enormous achievement - it freed up our hands. Arguably it was the beginning of the human race as we know it when the first apes stood upright.

“There is a practical reason why you want to work on your balance. That is because falling over accidentally is the second most common preventable cause of death worldwide after road traffic accidents.

“Particularly as people get older they fall, they break a hip or something like that so you kind of want to work on your balance. You can do it by doing tai chi or yoga but I like to do it by standing on one leg when I’m brushing my teeth.

“So it’s another example of something I already do which is I brush my teeth for two minutes in the morning and the evening and so why not incorporate standing on one leg?

“I stand on one leg for 30 seconds then I switch to the other one.” Dr Mosley said using an electric toothbrush was the best method as doing it with a normal manual brush was ‘really tough’.

“There are lots of benefits to it, not just in terms of balance. There was a study done some years ago which was published in the BMJ where they got a group of middle-aged people and they ran a bunch of tests on them and one of them was their ability to stand on one leg. Could they do it for a minute or not.

“20 years later they followed them up to see what had become of them. And that was the single best predictor of who would still be alive. Of live expectancy that was it.” Thomasina Miers was stunned replying: “Wow.”

“It’s partly because when you are standing on one leg you are combining so many different things. It’s cognitively challenging, it’s challenging to your brain. Your brain has to co-ordinate three things.

“You’re getting inputs from your eyes, you’re getting information from your inner ear, and you’re also getting information from the leg. Your brain has to co-ordinate all those things and it’s really quite hard.

“Practicing it is good for the brain, it’s good for your sense of balance, it’s good for your leg muscles and if you try doing it with your eyes shut you will discover just how hard it really is.

“Most people aged under 60 can probably do 20-30 seconds with their eyes open. If you can do more than 10 seconds with your eyes closed, you are doing really well.”

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

YMCA programs for seniors can improve health through exercise.

Title:

Content: Seniors exercise at YMCA to improve health

Published: May. 31, 2023 at 2:08 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - One of the keys to living a long life is having a healthy lifestyle.

Seniors at the YMCA did exercises tailored to their fitness levels Wednesday, May 31. This included tai chi, an exercise that focuses on mind and body, as well as helps with balance.

“It has completely changed my life. It has made me stronger in my body: I’m straighter, stronger, I can do all of my daily activities like laundry and dishwashing, and everything else that I have to do,” volunteer Palmer Gard said.

The YMCA offers programs and classes for all ages.

Do you have a story idea? Send us your news tip here.


Occupational therapy aims to help patients achieve goals based on their individual needs and desires.

This personalized approach is especially beneficial for older adults where fall risk increases annually due to various factors.

Brain health significantly influences balance and the ability to prevent falls.

Even without injury, falls often lead to a lasting fear of falling.

Age alone does not determine balance impairment, as medications can also increase fall risk.

Conducting a fall risk assessment is an important first step in fall prevention.

Healthcare providers can refer individuals to physical therapists for evaluation of fall risk.

Improving balance requires continually challenging the body’s systems.

Falls and related injuries often result in decreased ability to perform daily activities and the need for additional support.

Older adults should promptly report changes in gait or new pain to their doctors.

Alcohol consumption is a modifiable risk factor for falls.

Fractures are the most frequent result of falls.

Prolonged time on the ground after a fall can cause muscle breakdown, kidney failure, and even death.

Fatal falls are usually due to hip fractures or head injuries, with head injury deaths more common in men, those on blood thinners, and people without musculoskeletal diagnoses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified challenges for patients and healthcare providers, with growing demand for physical therapy as the population ages.

Home-based rehabilitation is critical for patients recovering from stroke and other conditions.

After a stroke, patients may have weakness and limited movement on one side of the body, requiring coordinated care at home to enhance quality of life.

More than 40% of adults over 40 experience dizziness, increasing fall risk, particularly after stroke or neurological injury.

Balance programs assist patients with stroke, brain injury, and other neurological conditions.

Cognitive health strategies from organizations like the CDC promote aging in place.

Occupational therapy aims to help patients achieve goals based on their individual needs and desires.

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    Occupational Therapy Month, BJACH provider shares Insight, raises Awareness

    Photo By Jean Graves | 1st Lt. Jonathan Ekas, occupational therapist at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital...... read more read more

    FORT JOHNSON, LA, UNITED STATES

    04.08.2024

    Story by Jean Graves

    Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital

    FORT JOHNSON, La. — April is Occupational Therapy month and Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital provides a robust OT program for Soldiers and retirees in the Fort Johnson community.

    The BJACH public affairs officer sat down with 1st Lt. Jonathan Ekas, an occupational therapist, to learn more about the profession, his motivation for pursuing the vocation and what BJACH is doing to raise awareness of occupational therapy in April.

    Question: What is occupational therapy?

    Answer: To explain occupational therapy, we first need to provide context to the term “occupations.” Occupations are tasks that individuals do daily. Activities such as self-care; bathing, going to the bathroom, dressing, hygiene, or other activities like driving, cleaning the house, child-care, work, play, and social participation are all considered occupations.

    As an OT, we evaluate dysfunction, whether it be physical ailments, emotional or psychological dysfunction. Then, we provide treatment to help patients adapt the task or provide remedial intervention for them to regain independence while performing these tasks.

    Question: How does this apply to Soldiers at JRTC and Fort Johnson?

    Answer: We treat soldiers with the goal of independence and returning them to duty without restrictions as quickly as possible. We want to treat their condition to improve their quality of life at work and home.

    Question: What about our retiree population?

    Answer: For older patients, the goal is to create a plan dependent on what the patient needs and wants to be able to do.

    Question: What are common reasons beneficiaries are referred to occupational therapy?

    Answer: Specifically, for our clinic at BJACH, we treat a lot of orthopedic conditions from the shoulder to fingertip, as well as concussion and post-concussion care.

    Question: What is a “typical” treatment plan for these conditions?

    Answer: For orthopedic conditions, our treatment plan primarily consists of splinting, range of motion and strengthening. Additionally, we work on gross motor and fine motor coordination exercises, simulating the skills necessary to engage in occupational tasks needed for daily life function. We also use a variety of modalities to control pain and prepare patients for treatment.

    For patients with traumatic brain injuries, the treatment plan uses habituation exercises to normalize various vestibular sensations. We try to retrain the brain to take in the stimuli needed to engage in their daily lives without unwanted symptoms that can limit what they can or cannot do.

    Question: How does occupational therapy change lives and improve quality of life?

    Answer: Occupational therapy is a client-centered discipline focusing on restoring function and regaining independence in daily life. Practitioners focus beyond treating the ailments by including the "what's next" part in the plan of care. We treat conditions like any other discipline, but we are geared towards teaching and training our patients the skills needed to perform their own self-care, home management tasks, hobbies, and the vocational duties needed to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Their quality of life is improved when we can help them regain their independence, so they advocate for themselves. This process helps them build the confidence necessary to return to doing the things they enjoy.

    Question: Why did you become an occupational therapist?

    Answer: I became interested in occupational therapy when I was an undergraduate studying health science. Internships with various providers including dietitians, physical therapists, physician assistants, and occupational therapy were a required part of my education.

    When shadowing occupational therapy, I witnessed individuals go from bedridden to returning to the things they loved. Through their occupational treatment plans, they were able to start gardening, walking their dogs, knitting and being able to care for themselves at home independently again.

    The foundational principle of occupational therapy is to empower a patient’s return to independence and the activities they value. The focus of care is to restore patient's lives versus treating the condition and calling it a day. This type of care really attracted me. Giving patients' their lives back motivates and gives me purpose daily.

    Question: What does it take to become an occupational therapist?

    Answer: To become an occupational therapist, you need to earn a four-year degree in an allied health concentration. Next, students need to apply for a suitable graduate program. I earned my master’s degree; however, in 2027, occupational therapy practitioners will require a doctorate degree. This means new therapists will need four to six years of additional education beyond the bachelor’s level, depending on the university they attend. After completing the doctorate degree, passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy examination is required.

    Question: How does your clinic plan to highlight the profession and celebrate OT Month?

    Answer: We are hosting an open house at noon on Apr. 15 in the BJACH OT Clinic. My goal is to provide an educational opportunity about the profession, what we do for our patients, and how we impact the multidisciplinary team here at BJACH. I want my peers to learn more about what we do and how important we are to the healthcare team here at the hospital, as well as downrange. We are a jack-of-all-trades profession, since occupational dysfunction can happen in a variety of ways, whether it is an orthopedic condition, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or behavioral health condition. Occupational therapy, as a discipline, has applications everywhere from rehabilitation programs, in our school systems, in outpatient clinics, nursing homes, community programs, and much more. Wherever a person experiences dysfunction with daily tasks, occupational therapy has a place.

    Editor’s note: To learn more about occupational therapy services offered at BJACH visit their website at: https://bayne-jones.tricare.mil/Health-Services1/Specialty-Care1/Occupational-Therapy1

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    Date Taken: 04.08.2024
    Date Posted: 04.08.2024 12:19
    Story ID: 468047
    Location: FORT JOHNSON, LA, US

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This personalized approach is especially beneficial for older adults where fall risk increases annually due to various factors.

Title:

Content: Healthy aging comes with challenges. For a variety of reasons, as each year passes, the likelihood of falling increases.

According to Dr. Boris Goralnik, a geriatric specialist at UPMC in North Central Pa, a fall is defined as an unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level.

“Falls result in fall-related injuries, progression of gait impairments, loss of independence, depression,” Goralnik said. “It is a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.”

By preventing falls, providers try to prevent related injuries such as fractures, hematomas, and skin lacerations. From practice and literature, said Goralnik, the most important risk factor of falls is a previous history of falls.

According to Janine Fee, MS, MPT, a physical therapist who is certified in vestibular rehabilitation at Evangelical Community Hospital, physical balance, which is important to avoid falling, can be complicated.

“I like to use the analogy of a baseball field,’’ Fee said. “Every player on the field is important and if a player is not working, then your team — your balance — is going to be impacted.”

Fee said many systems have a direct impact on balance. Eyes, ears, sense of touch — especially with our feet, muscle strength, flexibility, and posture are a few. And, the brain can have a major impact on our ability to avoid falling.

Fee said any weakening of one or more of these areas will significantly increase the risk of falling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, one out of four seniors over the age of 65 will fall each year. One out of five of those falls will cause serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

“This can then lead to serious consequences that may significantly impact a person’s overall quality of life,” said Fee. “Even if the fall didn’t cause harm, it is likely that the person now develops a fear of falling.”

Many factorsIn many cases, Goralnik said, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency in activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults. He agreed with Fee that a fear of falling leads to things like not participating in activities that require balance, causing weaknesses and furthering the risk of repeated falls. Paying attention to the body and being more aware of areas contributing to balance is a big step in preventing falls.

Age alone should not be blamed as a factor regarding balance, said Fee.

“I strongly believe that if you stay active, you can minimize the effects that aging has on all of these players,” Fee said.

Diseases and underlying medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, neuropathy, strokes, vision problems, and pain can impact a person’s balance. Other factors such as medications, fear of falling, and environmental factors.

It is very important for older patients to discuss with their providers any changes in the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they start to experience new musculoskeletal pain, Goralnik advised.

“Some of the medications may increase the risk of falls,” said Goralnik. “It is very important for people to have a complete list of all current medications when they visit their medical providers.”

Having detailed information, he said, about existing and potential risk factors may help reduce the risk of future falls.

Fee added that testing can be completed to assess balance and what kind of treatment or therapy might be available to assist with balance. Fee said a fall risk assessment is a good first step to preventing falls.

“You can talk to your doctor or health care provider to refer you to a physical therapist to evaluate your risk for falling,” said Fee.

She said a physical therapist will measure/evaluate strength, flexibility, analyzation of posture and feet, how you walk and perform specific balance measures to determine your areas of weakness. The therapist may also ask about fall history and possible home hazards like uneven pavement, rugs, steps, clutter or pets.

“Then a physical therapist can design a specialized treatment program to help you reduce your risk of falls,” Fee said. “Other recommendations to improve overall balance is getting involved in a local gym where you can perform strength and balance exercises like Tai Chi or yoga.”

Temporary conditionsIn addition to medical conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, etc., other temporary conditions also have effects on an individual’s balance.

Fee, a physical therapist who specializes in inner ear disorders, said the most common inner ear problem is a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Classic symptoms include brief episodes of spinning or imbalance that occur when lying down, rolling over in bed, or looking up.

“BPPV can significantly increase a person’s risk for falling especially if they have other balance risk factors. This problem is easily identified by the physical therapist that is trained in detecting inner ear problems,” she added.

Fee said a physical therapist with specialized training can provide the most appropriate intervention to reduce or resolve these symptoms in as little as one to three sessions.

Fee said physical therapists can often identify risk factors and provide specific recommendations to improve balance.

“Physical therapists are like coaches, but you have to do the work. In order for your balance to improve, you have to challenge the team!”

Goralnik added, that in many cases, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency with activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults.

The economic burdens from falls are substantial and likely to increase with the growth of the older population, according to Goralnik.

Fall-related health care costs include hospital bills, fees for professional service, and costs of prescription medications, home health services, long-term care facilities, and durable medical equipment.

“Always inform your doctor about recent falls and fall-related injuries,” concluded Gorainik.

It is very important for seniors to discuss any changes of the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they started to experience new musculoskeletal pain with their doctor.

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For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

It improves the balance of older people.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Brain health significantly influences balance and the ability to prevent falls.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Even without injury, falls often lead to a lasting fear of falling.

Age alone does not determine balance impairment, as medications can also increase fall risk.

Conducting a fall risk assessment is an important first step in fall prevention.

Healthcare providers can refer individuals to physical therapists for evaluation of fall risk.

Improving balance requires continually challenging the body’s systems.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Falls and related injuries often result in decreased ability to perform daily activities and the need for additional support.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Older adults should promptly report changes in gait or new pain to their doctors.

Alcohol consumption is a modifiable risk factor for falls.

Title:

Content: Falls by seniors represent serious health concern

NEW YORK, April 11 (UPI) -- For seniors, life can change in the blink of an eye if they trip on a rug or slip on a wet floor.

Injuries from falls represent a significant source of pain, disability, loss of independence and early death in order adults, according to the World Health Organization.

About 1 in 4 Americans age 65 and older -- more than 14 million -- reports falling every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the rate is increasing, the CDC says.

"Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S --making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group," the agency says.

And the National Institute on Aging reports that "the risk of falling -- and fall-related problems -- rises with age."

In late March, former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman's death at age 82 due to complications from a fall at his home cast the spotlight on serious injuries that can affect seniors.

Another celebrity who endured falls was the late Nancy Reagan. The former first lady stumbled multiple times in her senior years, fracturing her pelvis, tailbone and ribs.

The reasons people are more likely to fall as they age stem in part from age-related changes in gait, strength and balance, said Dr. Elizabeth Phelan, a falls expert and founding director of the Fall Prevention Clinic at UW Medicine in Seattle.

"However, falls are not inevitable," said Phelan, who also is a professor of geriatrics. "They are largely preventable. Awareness of what contributes to falls is critical to preventing them."

Vision and hearing impairments contribute to falls. So does the accumulation of chronic conditions that affect cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neurological systems. And a drop in blood pressure -- which may happen when someone stands up after lying down or sitting -- also raises fall risk, Phelan said.

Medications that cloud people's thinking or make them feel sleepy or off-balance are another major risk factor for falls. People who die from a fall tend to take multiple medications -- six on average, she said.

"It's important for people to understand the link between medications and falls, and to initiate conversations with their doctors about whether there is an ongoing need for each of their medications," Phelan said. "There are safer alternatives to medications for many symptoms."

Alcohol use also is a risk factor that can be controlled. Recent research has found an increase in alcohol consumption among older adults and a rise in emergency department visits for alcohol-related fall injuries, she said.

Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors reduces the chances of falling. Among people who fall repeatedly, falls "are not purely accidental," Phelan said. "This is a commonly held, but false belief. In fact, falls result from the interaction of a person with their environment."

People who experience fatal falls may have had preceding decline in their functional ability -- physical, cognitive or both -- that led them to limit their outdoor mobility, so their falls occur indoors, Phelan said.

While hip fractures are associated with more advanced age and an underlying neurological condition, she noted that head injuries are more common among men, people who take blood thinners and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Even improper footwear can play a role in falls, said Dr. Amanda Lathia, a geriatrician who helps manage the interdisciplinary falls clinic at University Hospitals in Cleveland.

"Wearing slippers or socks in the home increases the risk for falling," Lathia said. "It is best to wear shoes with good support in the home and outside the home."

Other hazards include a lack of handrails, clutter, stairs, poor lighting, ice, snow and pets, Lathia said, noting that "the bathroom is the location of most falls as we get older."

She suggested installing handrails in the bathroom and along all stairwells, using a raised toilet seat, and avoiding going outside in bad weather.

Although most falls don't cause injury, potentially serious ones can occur. Fractures are the most common. Having a hip fracture increases the risk of dying, particularly within the first year afterward, Lathia said.

Fall-induced head trauma, such as a brain bleed, can lead to death if left treated. And if older adults fall and remain stuck on the ground for a long time, they can suffer a traumatic breakdown of muscle, which can lead to serious kidney failure and even death, she said.

Once an older adult falls, the risk for future falls rises. This "unfortunately leads to the double-edged sword of people starting to restrict their activities because they're afraid to fall," said Dr. Laurie Theriot, chief of geriatric medicine at Prisma Health's upstate region in Greenville, S.C.

"It's counterintuitive, but we actually want to see that patient walk more, create a support system and get more active to improve balance and mobility," Theriot said.

"In the hospital, we consult on so many falls that involve broken hips," she said, cautioning that health professionals need "to be really careful how we obtain [a patient's] history because, especially with osteoporosis, we may find that you fractured your hip before you fell."

That's because "osteoporosis is often undiagnosed because gradual loss of bone density is not painful until the bone actually breaks," Theriot said.

Falls that lead to death are most often due to hip fractures or head injuries. People who die after a fall that results in a hip fracture tend to be older and have an underlying neurological condition, Phelan said.

On the other hand, she noted that fatal falls stemming from a head injury are more common among men, people who take blood thinners and those without a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Another problem arises when people forget if they took their medications, said Andrea Fleischman, an assistant professor in the department of occupational therapy at Creighton University Health Sciences Campus-Phoenix.

"Sometimes, older individuals will double up on their medication regimen, which can make them increasingly lethargic or dizzy," Fleischman said. She said she recommends that older adults regularly review medications with their clinicians and family members, especially if they have memory issues.

Fall prevention strategies include regular exercise to maintain muscle mass and bone density. Routine physicals and vision checkups are also important, Fleischman said.

She also cited the importance of ensuring the home is safe from tripping hazards, such as throw rugs. That's because older adults may not be able to catch themselves or cushion a fall as easily as younger or middle-aged people.

But whether injuries lead to death depends to a large extent on the person's age and overall health status, Fleischman said.

Even so, "the unfortunate statistic is that the morbidity rate for a person who falls and breaks a hip is upwards of 50%," she said. "It's due to decreased mobility."

Older adults often hit their head because protective reflexes -- which prompt people to put their hands out to stop or cushion a fall -- diminish with advanced age, Fleischman said.

After a fall, timely medical care and follow-up can make a difference. "Hopefully you're able to recover, but you need that additional support to determine your risks and prevent future falls," Theriot said.

She added that "physical therapy, occupational therapy and interventions like a fall risk assessment in your home environment are all important."

Fractures are the most frequent result of falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Prolonged time on the ground after a fall can cause muscle breakdown, kidney failure, and even death.

Fatal falls are usually due to hip fractures or head injuries, with head injury deaths more common in men, those on blood thinners, and people without musculoskeletal diagnoses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified challenges for patients and healthcare providers, with growing demand for physical therapy as the population ages.

Title:

Content: As an occupational therapist here in Indiana, I have seen firsthand the enormous pressures the COVID-19 pandemic has put on patients and healthcare providers. On top of the stress and strain we all personally feel, America’s specialty care providers are struggling financially due to increased costs of maintaining stringent safety and sanitization protocols, along with a serious drop in patient volume.

Despite these financial realities, Medicare is still planning to impose another round of payment cuts to specialty providers in 2022. Years of continued cuts by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), coupled with the hardships seen by so many practices during the pandemic, could prove devastating to the millions of seniors who depend on essential specialty care services including physical and occupational therapy.

With the clock ticking before the next round of devastating cuts goes into effect on Jan. 1, Congress has a big decision to make: whether or not to protect seniors’ access to the therapy services that are crucial for building strength, balance and mobility.

Physical therapy is a vital service to help keep Indiana’s seniors independent. It helps patients recover from injuries, prevents falls by improving stability, and keeps them active. Not only does access to physical therapy improve patient health outcomes, but it can even save taxpayers money. According to CDC data, Medicare pays roughly $29 billion every year for costs associated with non-fatal falls — $575 million of that in Indiana alone. With the help of physical therapists, many of these dangerous falls, and their associated costs, can be prevented.

Further, the number of patients needing physical therapy is expected to rise as America’s population ages. With the number of Americans 65 or older expected to more than double over the next 40 years, this ever-growing patient population deserves long-term, permanent reform to the Medicare payment system. Our healthcare system cannot sustain the expected surge in older patients when specialty providers like physical, occupational, and speech therapists face crippling cuts each year. These cuts, which will eventually reach 9 percent by 2024, will threaten patient access at a time when more patients than ever will be relying on consistent and stable access to care. Vulnerable patients should not be subject to these outdated, harmful CMS rules.

Americans want their members of Congress to stand up and prevent specialty provider cuts from taking effect. Data show 76 percent of seniors support Congress taking action to implement long-term reform. While a broad coalition of patients, providers, and lawmakers have expressed opposition to Medicare’s proposed cuts, all signs indicate that Medicare will move forward with the cuts as planned unless Congress intervenes.

Fortunately, Rep. Larry Bucshon has been a leading champion for specialty providers, most recently leading an effort in the U.S. House to stop these cuts. Thanks to Rep. Bucshon’s leadership, nearly 250 bipartisan Members of Congress recently joined together to urge House leadership to act quickly to avert these dangerous cuts by extending the 3.75% payment adjustment for specialty providers. Rep. Bucshon is also calling for the House to work on long-term Medicare payment reform, which would help specialty providers meet the growing demand for care as America grows older.

I commend Rep. Bucshon for his leadership and urge the rest of Indiana’s Congressional delegation to support initiatives to protect specialty care providers and the older Americans who depend on their care.

Ashim Bakshi, MHS, OTR, CHT, is partner and clinic director of The Hand and Orthopedic Rehab Clinic in Terre Haute.

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Home-based rehabilitation is critical for patients recovering from stroke and other conditions.

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World Stroke Day 2021: Rehabilitation Of A Stroke Patient At Home, Know How To Do It Right

Once the stroke survivor is at home, coordinated effort is needed from the physician, nurse, family members, home caregivers, and special therapists. Read on to know about it.

Written by Editorial Team |Updated : October 29, 2021 5:40 PM IST

The burden of stroke is on the rise in India and is now the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability. Almost 40 per cent of stroke patients have a moderate disability, and 15-30 per cent have a severe disability when discharged from the hospital. A stroke happens when blood flow to any part of the brain is blocked. Each patient has a different recovery time and may need long-term care. Stroke patients may experience problems with moving, thinking, speech, and performing regular activities. Nearly half of the post-stroke patients are dependent on others for their day-to-day life activities. Some patients improve in the first few weeks or months after a stroke, while others take months or years to recover after a stroke.

Stroke patients need individualized care

Home care of stroke patients aims to improve the quality of patients' life and their inabilities to do their daily activities. The key to effective home care is person-centered care with a humanistic and holistic approach.

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Importance of rehabilitative therapies

Stroke rehabilitation is a crucial aspect of caring for stroke survivors. Stroke rehabilitation includes speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Speech therapy is needed for those who have difficulty in speaking or understanding speech. Physical therapy helps the patient relearn movement and coordination skills through exercise, which may have been lost due to stroke. Occupational therapy emphasizes improving daily activities like eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing.

Make your home patient friendly

At home, specific changes in the setup may be needed to keep the patient safe from falls in the house and bathroom, avoid unnecessary wandering and make the home easier to use. For example, the bed and bathroom should be within easy reach. In addition, family counseling and support, visiting nurses, or aides help improve the patient's quality of life.

Home care is essential

A stroke patient may experience muscle, joint, and nerve problems. Muscles on one side of the body may be weaker or may not move at all; different joints and muscles may become hard to move. In such cases, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation doctors may visit and help the patient relearn how to -

  • Dress, groom, and eat
  • Use support to stay mobile
  • Stay physically active and work on keeping all muscles strong
  • Use stretching exercises and braces to manage muscle spasms or tightness.

Toilet training may be needed

Another issue faced by stroke patients is a problem with bladder or bowel control. This may result in loss of bowel or bladder control, diarrhea or constipation, urge to urinate frequently, or difficulty in emptying the bladder. At home, the caregiver can work out a bladder or bowel schedule. A commode chair may be kept close to where the patient sits most of the day. The caregiver may also help prevent skin or pressure sores by cleaning up after incontinence, frequent change in position, and watching out for sores.

Role of caregivers

Problems with swallowing may arise due to lack of attention when eating or damage caused to the nerves that help in swallowing. As mentioned earlier, a speech therapist may help with swallowing and eating problems after a stroke. In addition, diet changes, such as thickening liquids or eating pureed foods, may be helpful. High-calorie foods or supplements containing vitamins or minerals can also prevent weight loss and keep the patient healthy. Once the stroke survivor is at home, a team effort is needed to help improve the patient's quality of life. The patient's physician, nurse (sometimes specialized stroke nurses may be required), family members, home caregivers, and special therapists have to work together to help patients perform everyday tasks, rehabilitation exercises, and assist in speech, swallowing, and eating.

(This article is authored by Dr Vishal Sehgal, President, Medical Services, Portea Medical)

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After a stroke, patients may have weakness and limited movement on one side of the body, requiring coordinated care at home to enhance quality of life.

More than 40% of adults over 40 experience dizziness, increasing fall risk, particularly after stroke or neurological injury.

Title:

Content: AMH Human Motion Institute treats dizziness

ALTON – Dizziness and imbalance are among the most common complaints in older adults. It’s a growing health concern, as this puts individuals at a higher risk of suffering a fall.

It has been estimated that more than 40 percent of adults 40 and over will experience some form of dizziness over the course of a lifetime. In fact, falls are the leading factor for hospital admissions in adults 65 and over.

While the underlying causes of dizziness in the elderly are many, it can be associated with functional decline as well as an interruption of daily activities. Rather than expensive medical testing or medication, it may be beneficial to seek a referral to physical therapy for vestibular rehabilitation.

The vestibular system, housed in the inner ear, takes the information it receives and processes it to make modifications for eye movements, posture, balance, and orientation in space -- all of which can be addressed by a physical therapist.

“It is important that a physical therapist performs a comprehensive examination with a battery of tests to assess what all needs to be focused on in a patient’s plan of care to get them back to doing their usual activities,” says Juliann Marth, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, with Alton Memorial Hospital’s Human Motion Institute.

One of the most frequent vestibular conditions is vertigo, more specifically benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is a type of dizziness that is characterized by brief and intense episodes of spinning. It occurs when the calcium carbonate crystals that are housed in the inner ear become loose, causing a disruption in fluid and sending the brain a false signal that you are moving.

The resultant spinning sensation, although quick, can be felt with positional changes of the head such as rolling over in bed, leaning back in the beautician’s chair, or bending down to empty the dishwasher. Many people can recover from BPPV with a simple, non-invasive head and neck maneuver performed by a therapist, along with an individualized exercise plan for optimal recovery.

“Successfully treating vertigo can be truly life-changing, and getting patients back to their normal daily life is definitely the most rewarding part for me,” says Taylor Cobbel, PT, DPT, MBA.

Balance is a skill that requires multiple systems in the body to work together in a coordinated fashion, and vestibular rehab may help strengthen those systems and develop compensatory mechanisms in the brain. By developing an individualized exercise program focusing on eye movements, balance training and head motions, the goal is to decrease fall risk, reduce dizziness-related symptoms and prevent physical decline.

“Significant changes can be made in a person’s balance and functional abilities with the proper vestibular treatment,” says Judi O’Hearn, PT, DPT, MHS. “In many cases, individuals will report they can return to 100 percent of their normal activity.”

There are a variety of other conditions that lead to dizziness or imbalance, and the Human Motion Institute therapists can help determine what course of treatment is best. If you think that you could benefit, contact your physician for a referral.

Dr. Mary Schinkel, DO, is with BJC Medical Group ENT Specialists on the Alton Memorial Campus (Medical Office Building B, Suite 230) and often makes referrals to HMI for vertigo. To make an appointment with Dr. Schinkel, call her office at 618-463-7247.

Balance programs assist patients with stroke, brain injury, and other neurological conditions.

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Run with purpose: join WNEP's Ryan's Run team in 2022 & help change lives across our area

It's an update story months in the making. Newswatch 16's Ryan Leckey highlights how to get involved in year 13 and shows how last year's funds are being used today.
Credit: Ryan's Run/Allied Services

PENNSYLVANIA, USA — It's an update story that's been many weeks in the making.

After year 12 of WNEP's Ryan's Run last fall raised $507,054.00, today, Newswatch 16's Ryan Leckey is following the money as promised.

Ryan wanted to show our family of viewers how their donations to the campaign in 2021 are being put to use now to help change lives today at Allied Services.

WNEP's Ryan's Run raises money to help change the lives for the better of kids and adults with disabilities served by Allied Services, one of our area's largest nonprofits.

Ryan visited Allied's Scranton campus on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Allied's therapists and leaders joined Ryan to highlight some of the cutting-edge rehabilitation technology so many of you helped make possible from your donations in year 12.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AT WORK:

The following devices below were purchased from funds raised through WNEP's Ryan's Run 12.

Some of the money remaining will be used for future investments in technology to help Allied continue to make "miracles in rehab" happen every day.

ALTER-G TREADMILL

  • Allied Services will introduce this device to help people with a wide range of conditions including stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, leg injuries, sports injuries.
  • The Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ technology empowers people to move in new ways and without pain – to recover mobility, improve wellness, and enhance physical performance. Whether you want to get back to life as quickly as possible after orthopedic injury or surgery, or you want to gain strength and endurance while managing a neurological condition, chronic disease, or obesity – AlterG can give you new power to achieve your goals.

RENDEVER VIRTUAL REALITY

  • Allied Services will introduce this device, the Rendever Virtual Reality, to residents in our personal care facilities.
  • Description:  Rendever is overcoming social isolation through the power of virtual reality and shared experiences. Customized reminiscence therapy tools allow residents to take a stroll down memory lane by revisiting their childhood home, wedding location or anywhere else from their past. The technology provides opportunities for residents to virtually leave the four walls of their community to check off bucket list items and engage with the world in ways they never thought possible.

BIONESS BITS BALANCE

  • Allied Services has been using the Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS) for a number of years. This latest model has enhanced features that specifically address balance issues in patients. It will be used to help people with balance following stroke, brain injury, neurological conditions and more.
  • Description: The Vector Gait & Safety System allows patients to improve strength, while addressing muscle weakness. The Bioness Integrated Therapy

System for Balance (BITS Balance) combines visual, cognitive, motor, and balance training into one system, making it a multidisciplinary therapy solution. Across the industry, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists are using BITS Balance to train patients with varying degrees of mobility, driving patient outcomes.

RUN WITH A PURPOSE:

Join WNEP's Ryan's Run Team For Year 13

If you applied for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon "lottery," but didn't get a spot, here's your chance!

It's a way for runners across our area to run the world famous marathon in the Big Apple and help change lives in our area at the same time.

2022 TCS New York City Marathon Updates:

  • The TCS New York City Marathon will return at full capacity in 2022 for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak, New York Road Runners announced. That means 50,000 runners will once again toe the line on November 6 at the world's largest marathon.
  • Many thousands of people attempt to get a spot in the marathon by taking part in a random drawing, the results of which were announced on March 30, 2022.
  • If you didn't get selected in the drawing, you can still secure a spot by running for a charity such as WNEP's Ryan's Run.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR OUR TEAM IN 2022:

  • For the 13th consecutive year, Allied Services and WNEP's Ryan's Run are proud to be an official charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon.
  • You have the opportunity to join Allied Services employees and representatives of our corporate sponsors in running the TCS New York City Marathon.
  • By joining the Ryan’s Run team, you commit to raise a minimum of $3,500 in support of children and adults with disabilities at Allied Services.
  • CLICK HERE to apply and learn more about what's involved.

    FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT WNEP'S RYAN’S RUN:

    Ryan's Run is spearheaded by Newswatch 16's Ryan Leckey who works closely with a special events team at Allied Services.

    Ryan’s Run earned the silvery charity status by the New York Road Runners. The status puts our campaign on the same level as internationally respected organizations such as UNICEF.

    Runners are always chosen during the winter months through applications submitted through WNEP and Allied.

    To date, WNEP's Ryan’s Run has raised more than $4.6 million to help kids and adults with disabilities throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

    The campaign has also received multiple honors.

    Ryan’s Run was named by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters as an “Outstanding Television Public Service Campaign.”

    The videos highlight some special moments with WNEP's Ryan's Run 12 included the finale which happened on November, 12, 2021.

Cognitive health strategies from organizations like the CDC promote aging in place.

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GREAT RIVERS UNITED WAY

Great Rivers United Way: Helping to meet needs of elderly

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Fifty-eight percent of 2021 Compass Now survey respondents rated this region as a place that meets the overall needs of elderly persons as “good to excellent.” Not bad, but with a growing aging population and long-term care facilities struggling to keep workers, we see the potential for this rating to drop over the next several years.

The pandemic revealed a significant problem within the system that cares for our elderly. Within care facilities, low wages, tough hours, increased safety protocols, increased patient loads, and grueling work took its toll on nursing assistants and other care providers for elders. There was already a problem with turnover in the industry, and the pandemic caused additional stress and burnout. Even with reported wage increases, nursing assistants and other care support providers don’t earn enough to thrive (ALICE Report).

The added stress of loving an elderly person who is suffering with dementia or Alzheimer’s brings a twist to the conversation, as well. Many of us are in the season of life where we are both loving children to parents experiencing memory loss and loving grandparents to little ones. I can attest to the difficulty of being sandwiched between a parent with dementia and being an active grandparent. There are times when it simply isn’t easy. Making sure that caregiver is using resources for their own care is important.

If an elderly person is lucky (and many are), they are able to stay in their homes as they age. The CDC defines “aging in place” as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. This option might be the best for many. Aging in place (if possible) can build self-esteem, keep bank accounts healthier, and reduce familial stress overall, depending on the level of care needed.

Hospitals are identifying the need for aging in place because there are not enough beds in long-term care facilities to send recovering patients. Patients are often staying longer at the hospital if staff do not see a safe return home.

Great Rivers United Way is helping to meet this need by adding a Care Transition (CTI) Coach to the Great Rivers HUB. This CTI Coach role will be working to reduce the readmittance of those who have been discharged from local hospitals. During the 30-day program, a client (and/or family caregiver) will work with a Transitions Coach, employed by GRUW, to provide the client key tools to be more active in their health. This evidence-based intervention is comprised of five encounters: a hospital visit, a home visit, and three follow-up phone calls after the home visit has occurred.

One of the biggest disadvantages to aging in place can be loneliness and isolation. Great Rivers United Way funds several partner programs that address the needs of the elderly and keeps them safe in their homes, while also addressing loneliness: Cia Siab, Inc.’s Elders Holistic Health Advocacy Program; La Crescent Area Healthy Community Partnership’s Neighbors in Action; and Mobile Meals of La Crosse’s Home-Delivered Meal Program.

The funded program at Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council – Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – not only engages volunteers ages 55+, but many of those volunteer opportunities connect them with the elderly in their community. You, too, can volunteer at one of the above organizations and make a significant difference in the life of an elderly person attempting to live at home as they age. Every one of those agencies take donations, as well.

If you would like more information about supporting an elderly family member, neighbor, or friend, your local ADRC office is a great place to start. They have information about helping those folks, as well as how to prevent burnout – caregivers need support, too! The CDC has tips and tricks for best keeping your own brain sharp, so that aging in place is an option for you, too.

Lastly, you can make a difference by checking in with someone you know that might benefit from an extra hand, a partner for a game of cards, or an hour of conversation. This small effort goes a long way for everyone involved.

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