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Little information has been leaked about the fall and break-up of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court Judge. The Supreme Court issued a laconic statement that the 85-year-old judge had fallen into her office, returned home, and then went to the hospital for observation and treatment of three-rib fractures on her back. the left side.
But one thing is clear: falls are a problem for the elderly. The risk of falling increases with age and, once the falls are sustained, they can cause fractures or even more serious problems such as disability and death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people aged 65 and over fall every year. More than one in four seniors falls each year, but less than half informs their doctor. A fall in five causes a serious injury such as a fracture or injury to the head, said the agency.
The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, said on its website that there are many possible reasons that make seniors fall, including a decline in sight, hearing or reflexes; diabetes and heart disease; and problems with the thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels. Some medicines can also cause dizziness and drowsiness.
Other risk factors include muscle weakness, balance and gait problems, and low blood pressure when the person gets up. Confusion upon waking can also lead to falls, according to the institute.
Taking care of your health can help, said the institute. She suggested, among other things, that people stay physically active, have their eyes and ears tested, control the side effects of their medications, sleep a lot, limit their alcohol consumption and get up slowly.
Other tips included: People should use a cane or walker if they need it, pay attention to wet or icy surfaces and wear non-slip shoes.
People should also keep their bones healthy, said the institute.
"Having healthy bones will not prevent a fall, but if you fall, it could prevent you from breaking a hip or other bone, which could lead to a stay in the hospital or at a hospital. retirement home, a disability or even death, "said the institute, recommending enough calcium and vitamin D.
People must also be careful to maintain a healthy weight because underweight increases the risk of bone loss, making them more vulnerable to fractures, he said.
The institute also gave advice on how people can get up when they fall, ask for help and protect their home from falls.
The CDC has recommended that people ask their doctor about their risk of falling, ask them to review their medications and ask about vitamin D supplements.
The institute also gave advice on how people can get up and ask for help when they fall, and how to protect their home from falls.
Here are links to the sites of the National Institute of Aging and the CDC that offer information and tips on falls.
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