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Covid, Balance & Falls...Oh my!

COVID, Balance and Falls…Oh my!

 

September ushers in the fall season and with that, the appropriately named, National Fall Prevention Awareness Month.  This year, adding another layer to the mix has been COVID and long term post COVID symptoms that are plaguing so many, young and old.

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on many individuals’ normal fitness and daily activities, not to mention the effect it has had on those that continue to experience long term symptoms from the virus.  This has led to an epidemic of deconditioning among many of our patients, making them more susceptible to unfortunate incidences (aka falls), whether it is a stumble into a wall or furniture in the house or a full fall to the ground. 

Fall death rates have increased 30% from 2007 to 2016, and will no doubt continue to increase as the population continues to age (over 10,000 people in the United States turn 65 every day) and we deal with the ever evolving coronavirus and its impact on our health, UNLESS we do something about it NOW.

A Recent US News article compared post COVID individuals level of deconditioning to those post cancer diagnosis and found shocking results. 

Adults who previously contracted COVID and were referred to outpatient clinics for physical therapy were more likely to report poorer physical health, poorer mental health and difficulty engaging in various activities than patients referred to rehab following a cancer diagnosis.  As a cancer survivor, I have a new appreciation for what COVID is capable of. 

A new study performed by the CDC links ongoing weakness, malaise, fatigue, respiratory failure with hypoxia, and gait abnormalities in the post COVID population.  All contributors to fall related incidences. 

With the addition of COVID to the mix, fall prevention awareness becomes more vital than ever.  The cost of falls are already astonishing and did not need the extra boost it just received from COVID. 

Falls among adults age 65 and older costs ~ $50 billion for medical related expenses alone, for non-fatal fall injuries.  Medicare and Medicaid end up covering around 75% of these related costs.

The startling statistics according to the CDC…

Every second an older adult falls

Every year there are 36 million falls, resulting in 8 million injuries, 3 million ER visits, 950 thousand hospitalizations, and 32 thousand deaths.

Every year more than $50 billion dollars are spent treating fall related injuries.

Sadly, many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling, causing them to further decrease their activity, worsening their balance and making them more susceptible to another fall.  

The GOOD news…

There are many risk factors that can be changed or modified (with the help of a good BALANCE Fyzical Therapist) to help prevent falls, including…

  • Lower body strength
  • Difficulties with walking and balance
  • Foot pain or poor footwear
  • Home hazards or dangers such as steps, throw rugs, clutter and even pets

FYZICAL Therapy & BALANCE Centers specializes in all things related to balance.  We don’t believe that getting older has to mean giving up the activities and lifestyle you enjoy!

We invite you to join us September 1-30, 2021 for Fall Prevention Month and come in for your free fall risk screening.  Call today to schedule you FREE assessment.

Amazing benefits of Exercise kicks off our Happy Healthy Habits for Living a Balanced Life in 2024! Let us help you get your body in motion and keep in motion. And don't forget, AGE is relative!
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