Osteoporosis: prevention of falls

Why prevent falls at home?

One in twenty falls in the home causes a bone fracture and of these, one in five is a hip fracture. Hip fractures have a high mortality rate, almost 10% of patients die within the first month, plus the majority of patients, usually elderly, lost their independence in activities of daily living.


The osteoporosis is a determining factor for fractures occur, because it weakens the bone, but to produce a hip fracture is also necessary to have an injury, however small, on that area. It is therefore important to prevent falls, thus also prevent fractures.

What can be expected to make the home safer?

• Wear appropriate footwear, no heels.
  
  
• Wear appropriate eyeglasses and vision checked periodically.
  
  
• Avoid rugs can slide or hanging electrical wires. Repair the ground if there are changes on the surface.
  
  
• Ensure there is good lighting in the house.
  
  
• Be very careful when taking medications , especially sleeping pills and sedatives may cause drowsiness and increased risk of tripping or stumbling.
  
  
• Many seniors require diuretics and antihypertensive medications, which can increase the risk of falls when used at high doses. You should consult your doctor about what is the correct dose.
  
  
• If you have dizziness, vertigo or risk of falls, consult your doctor about the effect on these symptoms can have other medications taken.
  
  
• If necessary get up at night to go to the bathroom, you should consider using a urinal, to avoid the risk of falling in the dark, or properly illuminate the way and make sure that the path between the bed and the fourth Bath has no object that can trip.
  
  

Can be useful hip protectors?

Yes The risk that an older person a hip fracture is reduced by about 50% when using a hip protector. Worn under clothing and cushions the hip in the event of a fall.