Ending the Epidemic of Falls Among Older Adults

Is dizziness negatively impacting your ability (or a loved one’s) to move, function and enjoy life?

September marks National Falls Prevention Awareness Month, a campaign that bolsters the efforts of our Winter Park Fyzical™ Dizziness & Fall Prevention Center to increase awareness of and eliminate falls. Falls are responsible for the majority of emergency room visits and hip and joint fractures among older adults.

Many states nationwide have come together to address this growing public health concern and raise awareness that many of these falls are preventable. National Falls Prevention Awareness Month aims to shed light on the devastating effects of falling and how individuals can prevent falls through balance and wellness therapy.

The Hidden Side of Falling

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans and one-third of Americans aged 65 and over falls each year, according to the National Council on Aging and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many older adults fear to be honest with their physicians about the number of falls they’ve had. Underlying the cover-up is worry and anxiety about the potential of being placed in a nursing home by their loved ones and deprived of their independence. Often just the fear of falling can be debilitating and lead to a more inactive and stress-filled lifestyle.

“The balance dilemma facing our country is often overlooked,” says Barry S. Kang, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified otolaryngologist at The Ear, Nose, Throat, & Plastic Surgery Associates. “Right now, an estimated 63 million people in the U.S. are at risk of a fall, primarily older patients.”

Treating the Root Cause of Falls

The Winter Park Fyzical Dizziness & Fall Prevention Center is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art therapy and balance center with specialized staff, equipment and training protocols to treat vestibular balance disorders for patients of all ages and lifestyles.

“Balance challenges can be caused by a variety of factors including age, inner ear issues, or joint problems,” says Dr. Kang. “We have the latest technology, diagnostic equipment, and qualified personnel that focus on diagnosing the source or sources of the problem, and then providing quality outcomes, total well-being, and prevention.”

By taking a proactive and preventive approach to identify deficiencies or weaknesses and address them before an injury can happen, patients can save on expensive visits to the ER, the cost of follow-up medication and care, and live happier and more healthful lives.

To learn more about how the Winter Park Fyzical Dizziness & Fall Prevention Center can help you maintain wellness and fitness and avoid future injuries, please contact us for a fall risk assessment.