Physical Medicine Blog

Research has shown that approximately 1/3 of all adults over the age of 65 suffer from at least one fall annually, the prevalence increases to 50 percent in adults over the age of 80. My goal for writing this article is to help the reader understand the reasons why adults over the age of 65 fall, and how to decrease the risk for falls in such population.

Falls are not only an inconvenience, but have also contributed in a major way to health care costs and disability in the older adults. Studies have shown that 20 percent of falls require some sort of medical attention. Furthermore, up to 10 percent of people who suffer from a fall sustain major injury such as major contusion/laceration, head trauma and disabling fractures. Fractures are a greater risk for patients with osteoporosis. You may also be surprised to find out that complications from falls are the leading cause of death from injury in adults over the age of 65. >>

EL PASO (KTSM) — A new report finds a concussion should not only take student athletes off the field, it could also keep some of them out of school.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended children with severe symptoms stay home from school until they are cleared by their doctor.

"We’re talking about the brain and the number one thing you use when you're in the classroom is the brain," said Claudia Garduno with Spine and Rehab Specialists. "We’re asking students to learn things, to process things, to be listening and be attentive, but when the brain is injured, obviously that's going to be a big difficulty for them."  >>

Prevention of slips, trips and falls is important to enable older adults to maintain active, independent and healthy lifestyles.

Slips, trips and falls occur unexpectedly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, 1 out of 3 adults falls, resulting in severe disabilities. Unintentional fall injuries led to the death of about 20,400 older adults in 2009. Leading healthcare centers offer slip and fall prevention programs to help older adults maintain wellness and quality of life. >>

Pediatricians are being warned not to stick their necks out too far in protecting the heads of their young patients.  And to put on their own helmets.  A recent article in the AAP News,  the official news magazine of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the major professional organization of US pediatricians, is cautioning providers about the long reach of new legislation around concussions into the private lives and lifestyles of parents and patients.  >>

May is Older Americans Month and this year’s theme is “Unleash the Power of Age.”

The focus on power is an opportunity to revisit one of the most frequent causes of injury and even death to older adults – falling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults age 65 and older falls each year.  >>