New York Chiropractor Talks About Fall Prevention in Older Adults

New York Chiropractor Talks About Fall Prevention in Older Adults

 

Falling is never good at any age, but is a particularly hazardous event for the elderly, who are not able to reduce the impact of a fall as well as those of younger ages. Most falls occur in women, and the risk increases with age. Fully two thirds of those who experience a fall will do so again within the following six months. So what can older adults do to help prevent a fall in the first place? The greatest contributors to falls in older adults are osteoporosis, reduced physical activity, impaired vision and environmental hazards.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become increasingly more brittle and full of holes, and is more prevalent in women after menopause. The drop in hormones such as estrogen that occurs at this time contributes to bone loss, as well as a deficiency in vitamin D and calcium. And as physical activity also commonly begins to drop off as we age, bones are likely to become more brittle from the lack of weight-bearing exercise.

To help reduce the progress of bone loss, be sure to get enough calcium and magnesium in your diet. Most people usually get enough calcium, but are not aware that they must also consume a sufficient amount of magnesium for the calcium to be absorbed into their bones. What often happens is that someone will go overboard taking calcium supplements, and as there is not sufficient magnesium for its absorption, the calcium will build up in the person’s soft tissues instead of their bones, contributing to arthritis. You should aim for a ratio of calcium to magnesium of at least 2:1 in order to maximize bone absorption.

Increasing physical activity will also help to slow bone loss. It doesn’t have to be anything particularly strenuous, but even just walking or swimming on a daily basis can have a positive effect on bone density. If you are able to carry some light weights with you while walking, that will add to your bone health. And if you can take that walk in the sun you will also increase your levels of vitamin D.

Vision problems common in older age, such as cataracts and glaucoma can alter depth perception and reduce peripheral vision and sharpness of sight, which can lead to a fall. Vision should be checked regularly so these things can be treated early. And if vision is a problem, place brightly colored or glow-in-the-dark strips where there are steps in the house so they can be seen better. This also goes for things like grab bars and other physical aids that may be difficult to discern in low light.

Lastly, one third of all falls among the elderly occur due to an environmental cause in the home. The most common cause is tripping over an object on the floor. Someone should do a walkthrough of the home to identify and remove possible tripping hazards. Make sure all pathways are free of clutter and all rugs secured. Be sure there is adequate lighting in all areas, with switches that are easily reached or lamps that are touch activated.

Taking these steps can reduce your risk of a fall and help ensure many more years of living an active, healthy life.

Herniated Disc Relief Manhattan

Herniated Disc Relief Manhattan, NY

Herniated disc is a common cause of back pain, leg pain and sciatica.  Discs can become injured in many ways.  A slow developing process can lead to degenerative changes within the disc that result in dehydrated, dry, brittle discs.  These discs begin to lose height over time and can lead to painful compression of spinal nerves and arthritic joints.  In well hydrated discs we often see bulging at the margins and possible herniations.  These scenarios can also lead to painful compression syndromes such as sciatica and leg pain.

In all instances of spinal pain related to herniated disc there is often an underlying gait or postural disturbance that leads to a breakdown of bio mechanics and muscle function.  When this occurs these passive tissues begin to bear loads they are simply not designed to handle.  Over time this repetitive distribution of force through the disc leads micro trauma.  This micro trauma can slowly chip away at the strength of the disc tissue and often times a single event can lead to acute injury.

Patients often times have a hard time understanding this injury as they feel they were ‘fine’ yesterday’.  However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.  Save for trauma this process was developing beneath the surface for some time.  This one isolated event was simply the straw that broke the camel’s back.

There is hope though.  Treating both the symptoms of your pain while at the same time resolving these bio mechanical disturbances has proven to be the most effective approach in our experience.  Follow this link to learn more; herniated disc relief manhattan

Webster Breach Chiropractic Care in NYC

The ‘Mommy N’ Me Chiropractic & Wellness’ Program has no officially launched.  This program is available exclusively at The Center for Integrative Practices and is headed by Dr. Noam Sadovnik and Dr. Lauren Fries.  The program utilizes a combination of conventional Chiropractic, namely the Webster’s Breach Technique for turning breach babies, and a combination of clinical core conditioning based on fundamental Pilates principles and advanced holistic nutrition (where appropriate).

The goal of the program is to support and nurture both mommy and baby throughout the growth process and aid in providing an easy and efficient birthing process through optimal pevlic bio-mechanics and muscular conditioning.

Those wanting to learn more can visit the official Mommy N’ Me Chiropractic & Wellness in NYC website by following the link.