According to the CDC, every second of every day, an older American suffers a significant injury or fatality due to falling and OSHA cites incidents involving slips, trips and falls for causing 15% of all accidental deaths in the workplace, second only to motor vehicles accidents. So why do so many people fall, what are the causes and is there anything you can do to prevent them? Two upcoming screenings are being held to address these and other related issues.

THURSDAY, SEPT 27 (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
Long Beach Senior Center
Co-Sponsor Heart of Ida
1150 East 4th Street
Long Beach

FRIDAY, OCT 5 (8:30 – Noon)
Cerritos Senior Health & Wellness Fair
12340 South Street
Cerritos

Board-certified internist Michael Tehrani, M.D. of Brand New Day, a Medicare approved health plan, is an expert on the subject and will be conducting the screenings. He says that many falls can be prevented.
“One’s home environment, the medications he or she is on and even the kind of shoes they wear can lead to falls,” said Tehrani. “The screenings are really beneficial as I offer specific tips aimed not only at the older adult but also their family members and/or caretakers should they also attend.”
Tehrani says that more than 95% of hip fractures result from falls and they are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. The cost is not limited to one’s health, but the CDC reports that the medical costs for falls totals more than $50 billion annually and tax-supported programs including Medicare and Medicaid shoulder 75% of these costs.
Tehrani’s fall prevention checklist includes:
• Review your medications (including OTC and herbal) with your doctor and report any incidents of dizziness and/or grogginess.
• Consider taking vitamin D supplements
• Engage in strength and balance exercises
• Have your vision checked and always wear the proper lenses
• Rid your home of anything you could trip over e.g., electrical cords, rugs and floor mats, loose or torn carpeting, pet toys, etc.
• Install balance bars inside and out of your bathtub, shower and toilet
• Change light bulbs so they are bright enough to illuminate each room
• Wear sensible shoes
For more information about these and other upcoming fall prevention seminars/screenings, call (562) 498-2481
Brand New Day is the Medicare product name of Universal Care, Inc., a privately held California Knox-Keene Healthcare Service Plan licensed by the California Department of Managed Health Care and contracted with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services as a Medicare Advantage contractor.
Established in 1983, Universal Care, Inc. is owned and operated by an experienced group of managed care executives and physicians. For more information, visit BNDHMO.com or call (866) 255-4795.