Preventing Falls: What You Should Know

Falls are the leading cause of home injury among adults age 65 and older. In recent decades the number and frequency of fatal injuries caused by falls among older adults has increased dramatically throughout the world. Each year, more than 4700 Americans aged 65 and older die as a result of falls, and more than a million elderly Americans are admitted to hospital emergency rooms to treat injuries related to falls, according to the Home Safety Council. Falls generally result from an interaction of various risk factors and situations. Frequently, older people are not aware of their risks of falling and often do not recognize risk factors. Although no single factors cause all falls, the greater the number of risk factors to which an individual is exposed, the greater the probability of a fall and the more likely the results of the fall will threaten the person’s independence. Even a fall that does not cause an injury can limit confidence and the ability to be comfortable living independently. Risk factors responsible for a fall are considered to be either environmental (i.e. poor lighting, loose carpets, lack of bathroom equipment) or physical (i.e. leg weakness, poor grip, strength, visual problem, balance disorders). Many of these risk factors are considered to be preventable. As obvious as it may sound, a lack of knowledge about risk factors and how to prevent them contributes to many falls. Come people believe that falls are a normal part of aging, and such are not preventable. However, lack of knowledge leads to lack of preventative action, resulting in falls. For many elderly people, the home can be a hazardous place. Homes with loose throw rugs, runners and mats, curled carpet edges, poor lighting, slippery uncarpeted floors and stairs can turn into “booby traps”. A Yale School of Medicine study of people ages 72 and older living in and around New Haven, Connecticut, found that the most dangerous part of the house was the floor in the living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. Stairways were the second most dangerous zone, according to the study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, which went on to recommend the use of night lights and light switched at the top and bottom of the stairways as well as handrails. Bathrooms were also considered to be dangerous due to the fact that tubs and showers usually lacked non skid mats, abrasive strips and grab bars. In addition to poor lighting, toilets were typically too wobbly or too low for an older person to rise from safely. Kitchens were next on the list, with poor lighting , unstable step stools and storage areas that required an older person to reach high or bend low. Since one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home, it may be useful to conduct a walk-through of your home to identify possible problems that may lead to falling. A home visit by an occupational therapist might also be useful in that they are trained to identify risk factors and recommend appropriate actions. Recommendations are specific and comprehensive and often include measures to improve home safety such as the addition of grab bars in the bathroom, removal of loose area rugs, and using alternate colors to denote changes in the surface structures. Some of the reasons seniors tend to fall more often are result of physical changes such as lack of flexibility and muscle strength, especially in their legs. Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass, which contribute to falls and the severity of injury due to falls. Recent studies have found that physical activity is an effective intervention strategy for preventing falls in older people. A supervised strength and endurance training program prescribed by a physiotherapist has been found to be effective in reducing the rate of falling by more than 30% according to the British Medical Journal. Physiotherapist play a key role in identifying those at risk of falling and providing interventions such as exercise to improve balance and strength, prescription of appropriate walking aids and activities to maximize endurance, fitness and bone density. For people at high risk of falling, they can also intervene to reduce the severity of a fall by prescribing injury- reducing braces such as hip protectors. Recent research has also identified that balance in women begins to decline after the age of 40 due changes in sensation and vision. Exercise programs incorporating vision and head movements can also improve balance in the ‘under 60’s’ to reduce the likelihood of future falls. Exercise groups and activity programs and activity programs designed and implemented by physiotherapist are also effective in optimizing balance and fitness for people with conditions that may restrict participation in general activity programs, such as those with diabetes, arthritis, or neurological dysfunction.

Welcome Bobby Edwards, PT

We would like to introduce Bobby Edwards, BHK, MPT. He is a physiotherapist with a strong interest in orthopedics and sports rehabilitation. Bobby will be working out of Guildford Physiotherapy & Hand Center. Bobby graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2009 with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics, with a Kinesiology and health science major. He completed his Masters of Physical Therapy in 2011 at UBC and is now entering private practice. Bobby is results focused and seeks to provide effective and time sensitive treatments. As a professional, he seeks to engage clients in an active lifestyle that extends beyond the duration of their physiotherapy treatment. Key success factors involve establishing trust and rapport with each individual client, taking time to understand and address their individual mobility goals.

Medical Compression Stocking Therapy

Reasons to Use Stockings - Deep Vein Thrombosis - Venous Diseases - Lymphodema - Lipodema - Lipo-lymphodema - Phlebolymphedema Recognize Symptoms Early for Best Treatment 1. Tired, heavy feeling legs 2. Leg pain from prolonged sitting or standing 3. Swollen ankles at night 4. Varicose or spider veins, especially during pregnancy 5. Tingling, numbness, burning, or cramping in legs and feet 6. Discoloration of skin 7. Open sores or ulcers on the lower leg 8. History of vein problems in the family If you have any questions, ask your therapist when you book an appointment at Helping Hands www.physiotherapycentres.com

The Right Kind of Exercise

The Right Kind of Exercise The right kind of exercise can improve how well your heart functions. You need to move at a brisk pace so your heart will beat faster. Moving this way will cause you to breathe harder, and you may break into a sweat. Exercise should fit your lifestyle, too. It should be safe, fun, and comfortable for you. And it should fit your budget and schedule. Picking Your Best Options What kind of exercise you do is up to you. Swimming, walking, and riding a bike all can improve how well your heart functions. So can many group fitness classes or exercise videos. Byt what also matters is that your activity should work for you. Do activities that you enjoy. For a change of pace, mix and match activities from day to day. Ask your therapist at Helping Hands what options may be best for you. Why Walking Works Walking works for most people. All it takes is a pair of sturdy, well-fitting walking shoes. Be sure to start with small goals, like walking 10 minutes a day. Then build up to at least 30 minutes a day. If you choose walking, you can begin by using the walking program below. Or, ask your therapist at Helping Hands for advice. Follow this link to find a sample walking program

Protect Yourself

It’s time to get out and enjoy all the outdoor activities summer has to offer: cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, field hockey, golf, swimming, tennis, lacrosse, roller hockey and so many more. Such activities can help keep you in shape, improve your outlook on life and let you enjoy some of BC’s spectacular parks and scenery. Unfortunately, participating in outdoor activities can put you at a higher risk for injury, although there are simple ways to reduce your risk. Concussions can result in poorer memory, decreased reaction time, and a decline in motor skills later in life. If you think you or a loved one might have suffered a concussion, warning signs to watch out for include: Behavioural changes, such as irritability and anxiety • Confusion • Dizziness • Fatigue • Headache • Lack of concentration • Memory loss • Nausea • Ringing in the ears • Slowed thinking • Vision loss If you are experiencing any of these symptoms contact your doctor for a complete examination. Protection is the Best Medicine Be proactive and protect yourself before you suffer an injury that can slow you down and potentially ruin your summer. Physiotherapists and Registered Massage Therapists can help with a step-by-step rehabilitation program which in many cases can help you return to normal activity and reduce the chance of persistent symptoms. They can also help ensure that your protective equipment properly and effectively fits you. Feel free to call one of our experts at 604.973.0242 (Winter Club), 604.990.7851 (Capilano University) or 604.929.8444 (Deep Cove) to help you play safe. Then you can enjoy a summer filled with fun activities.

Your Physiotherapist and You - Working together to help you return to work

Your doctor has referred you to a physiotherapist to help you: • Recover from your workplace injury • Return to work as soon as you can safely do so • Prevent a similar injury from happening again. During your first visit, your physiotherapist will: • Ask questions about your work • Assess your injury and, if necessary, start treatment to help your recovery • Explain what you can expect during your treatments • Explain your role in recovery • Plan with you how and when you will be able to return to work Why is your physiotherapist asking questions about your work? Your physiotherapist needs to know the kinds of activities you do at work and the way your workplace is set up so he or she can: • Understand how your injury affects your ability to work • Advise on when and how you can safely return to your regular or modified work • Advise you on how to prevent a similar injury from reoccurring How will your physiotherapist assess your injury? Your physiotherapist will ask you questions about how your injury occurred and the limitations the injury is causing. He or she will examine the injured part of your body. If your physiotherapist treatments are required, your physiotherapist will begin right away. What may your physiotherapy treatments include? • Exercise – specific exercises to increase mobility and strength; doing the exercises recommended by your physiotherapist is very important to your recovery. • Control inflammation – such as ice, ultrasound, and laser. • Control of pain – such as ice, heat, mild electrical stimulation, and stretching. • Manual therapy – a “hands on” approach to improve mobility • Education – to help prevent a similar or future injury and control pain. • Home program – exercises that you can do on your own. Y our physiotherapist will explain how many treatments you are likely to need and how often you need to attend the clinic. You will discuss a target date for being able to return to work safely. The physiotherapist is available to answer any questions regarding your treatment. Before going to back to work, you must notify your doctor, who may wish to see you. What are your responsibilities during recovery? Much of your recovery is up to you. Your physiotherapist will show you how to do the exercises that will help you regain your strength and flexibility. Learning how to do the exercises correctly, then doing them at home as recommended by your physiotherapist, is important. Remain as active as you can during your recovery. This will help your recovery and get you back to your regular job as soon as possible. Your physiotherapist will provide guidance regarding the types of activities that are beneficial. Keep in touch with your employer and be willing to do tasks that your physiotherapist, doctor, and employer agree you are able to safely do. If you cannot return to your regular job, WorkSafe BC will contact your employer to see if there is suitable work. When will you be able to return to work? Your physiotherapist and your doctor will both discuss with you when you might be able to return to work. Here are some possibilities: • Your return to your regular job as soon as you are able to do so safely • You return to your job with temporary modifications in your hours of work, the tasks you do, and/or the way you do your tasks for a defined period of time Your physiotherapist may recommend that you return to work before you feel you are fully recovered. The type of activities that you do at work may contribute to a faster recovery. If necessary, you will continue your physiotherapy treatment for a brief period after you return to work. Return to work is good recovery Return-to-work programs are based on the idea that many injured workers can safely perform work during their recovery period and doing so provides emotional and physical benefits which can help in recovery. WorkSafe BC nurse advisors are here to help you return to work and recover from your injury. What is a nurse advisor? A nurse advisor is a registered nurse with additional training and education focused on recovery and return-to-work planning. The nurse advisor does not handle claim entitlement issues. How can the nurse advisor help you? The nurse advisor may contact you to assist with developing a return-to-work plan. In doing so the nurse advisor may: • Collobarate with you and your physician, employer and health care provider • Organize, start, and monitor a return-to-work plan • Support you throughout the recovery process Other important questions for you and your physiotherapist to discuss Who pays for your physiotherapy treatments • If you have reported your injury to your employer and WorkSafe BC, you will have a claim number. • If WorkSafe BC accepts your claim then WorkSafe BC will pay your physiotherapist directly. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY ANY COSTS • If your claim is not accepted, you are responsible for the full cost of your physiotherapy care • If your claim is pending, WorkSafe BC will pay gor your initial physiotherapy visit. However, you will need to pay for any subsequent visitis privately. If your claim is then accepted, your physiotherapist will directly bill WorkSafe BC and reimburse you any money you have paid. • If your claim is pending on the date of your initial visit and then not accepted, your physiotherapist will directly bill WorkSafe BC for the initial visit only and reimburse you any money paid for this visit. What if you have not started a claim with WorkSafe BC? Call WorkSafe BC at one of the following numbers: General claim or entitlement inquiries Lower Mainland 604-231-8888 You will be given a claim number, which you can give to your physiotherapist. Keep these numbers close at hand so you can call if you have any questions about your claim. What if you have not returned to work as you and your physiotherapist planned? If you have not returned to work as planned, WorkSafe BC will work with your doctor and physiotherapist to confirm a future treatment plan. While receiving physiotherapy treatment, how often should you go to your doctor? Go to your doctor if: • Your condition changes significantly • Your physiotherapist recommends a visit • Your doctor recommends a visit Your doctor is not required to send progress reports to WorkSafe BC for you to continue receiving compensation payment. If you have had a workplace injury, call one of our offices to book an appointment for your initial assessment.

Becoming Active Step by Step

To get fit, you don’t need to become an athlete. But you do need a certain amount of exercise to improve your heart health. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise on most or, ideally, on all days of the week. As you may be just starting out, you can build up to this goal slowly. If you stick with your goal, you’re bound to succeed. Take It One Step at a Time You may have been active before your heart trouble. Or, perhaps this is the first time you’ve started an exercise program. In either case, ease into your routine. Set small goals, and then build on them. In time, you will be doing enough exercise to improve your heart health. Make Exercise a Daily Habit You will reap the most rewards if you exercise at least 30 minutes each day. This takes about the same amount of time as watching a TV show or going to the market. You don’t have to complete your whole exercise program at once. You can also reach your goal by exercising for 10 minute, 3 times a day. Step Up Your Activity Level Besides doing your exercise program, try being more active throughout the day. This will help you reach your goals. Start by moving more during your daily routines. When doing errands, walk as much as you can. Take on more household tasks or yard work. For fun, chat with a friend while on a walk, rather than on the phone. Visit a local park or go out dancing instead of watching TV. Or book an appointment at Helping Hands to use the gym faciliites with supervision.