Falls Ask Dr Miriam
Around a third of adults over 65 will have at least one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls.
What to do if you fall
If you’re not hurt and you feel strong enough to get up, don’t do it quickly. Roll on to your hands and knees and hold on to something such as stable furniture (chair or a bed) with both hands to support yourself and when you feel ready slowly get up. Sit down and rest for a while.
If you’re unable to get up, call out for help, banging on the wall or floor, or using your aid call button (if you have one). If possible, crawl to a telephone and dial 999 to ask for an ambulance.
Try to reach for a blanket or dressing gown to keep you warm until help arrives.
Why do we fall more as we age? Older people may have balance problems and muscle weakness, poor vision, or a long-term health condition such as heart disease, dementia or low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to dizziness and a brief loss of consciousness.
In older people, falls can be particularly problematic because osteoporosis is fairly common. It can develop in both men and women but older women are most at risk because osteoporosis is often associated with the hormonal changes that occur during the menopause.
How to prevent a fall
There are several simple measures that can help prevent falls in the home.
Use non-slip mats in the bathroom
Mop up spills to prevent wet, slippery floors
Ensure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit
Remove clutter, especially electric cables
Q
I read that poor oral hygiene can affect your heart. Is this true? A
Well, it would appear that paying attention to oral hygiene and brushing your teeth regularly can protect your heart. People who brush their teeth three or more times a day are less likely to develop heart failure or atrial fibrillation than people who brush less often.
This finding has come out of a large observational study from South Korea. In looking for ways to explain their findings, the investigators suggest several potential mechanisms to account for this association between oral hygiene and cardiovascular disease.
They include alterations in gut microbiota, oral bacteria entering into the circulation from bleeding gums, and increased levels of inflammation from periodontal disease. Make sure you have regular check-ups with your oral hygienist and try to floss after every meal.