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Health News Results - 53
Protecting Yourself From Winter Weather Injuries
- Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
- February 22, 2024
- Full Page
Falls, frostbite, fractures: They are all potential hazards of icy winter conditions. But experts say there's a lot you can do to avoid injury when snowflakes fall.
First, stay warm.
According to the New York City Department of Health, people lose ...
Poor Vision & Falls: A Deadly Combo for Seniors
- Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
- December 29, 2023
- Full Page
Seniors with vision issues are at much higher risk for dangerous falls, new research confirms.
Compared to seniors with good vision, the odds for a fall rose by 38% for seniors with glaucoma, 36% for those with cataracts and 25% for seniors with age-related macular degen...
Take These Steps to 'Fall-Proof' Your Home
- Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
- September 30, 2023
- Full Page
The risk of falls increases in older age, and along with it, the risk for serious physical or psychological damage, but there are steps people can take to help prevent these accidents.
Each year, about 27% of adults 65 and older fall and about 10% of those are injured.
Why Stairs Might Be a Bigger Hazard for Young Women
- Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
- July 28, 2023
- Full Page
When it comes to falling down stairs, young women are more prone to take a tumble than their male counterparts.
According to a new study, this is because they are more likely to be distracted or to wear impractical footwear.
Going down a staircase while talking or ...
U.S. Nursing Homes Fail to Report Many Serious Falls, Bedsores: Study
- Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
- May 25, 2023
- Full Page
A federal website intended to help people choose a nursing home not only contains inaccurate information, but those inaccuracies appear to be at least partially driven by race, a new study reports.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) established the...
Rate of Fatal Falls Among U.S. Seniors Doubled in 20 Years
- Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
- May 12, 2023
- Full Page
Older Americans are dying of falls at more than double the rate of 20 years ago -- with women, men and all racial groups showing increases, according to a new study.
In 2020, the study found, just over 36,500 Americans age 65 and up died of a fall-related injury. That wa...
How to Prevent Falls: Tips for Older Adults
- Miriam Jones Bradley, RN HealthDay Reporter
- March 30, 2023
- Full Page
For older Americans, a fall is no laughing matter.
According to the National Council on Aging, more than 1 in 4 people over age 65 fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of ...
Sen. Mitch McConnell Leaves Rehab, Heads Home After Concussion
- Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
- March 27, 2023
- Full Page
Sen. Mitch McConnell is back home more than two weeks after he fell at a private dinner and was hospitalized with a concussion and broken rib.
The Senate Minority Leader spent five days in the hospital and the remainder of the 2-1/2 weeks following his fall in inpatient...
Injury-Proof Homes: Creating Safe Spaces for Older Adults
- Mandi Harenberg HealthDay Reporter
- March 24, 2023
- Full Page
There's nothing like the comfort and security of home. For many, a home is a place filled with fond memories of happy times.
It's no wonder older adults choose to extend their independence by trying to stay in their homes as they get older, an experience called aging in ...
Reducing Home Hazards Cuts Seniors' Risk of Falling
- Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
- March 13, 2023
- Full Page
Nearly one-third of older people fall each year, most of them in their own homes. But it's possible to reduce those numbers by a quarter, according to a new study.
Five steps can cut the risk of falls by 26%, the researchers reported in the March 10 issue of the
Falls Can Be More Dangerous for Older Men Than for Women
- Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
- March 10, 2023
- Full Page
While older women are treated for falls more often than elderly males, men are more likely to sustain skull fractures when they topple over, new research suggests.
This is a serious concern because more than 3 million people aged 65 and older are treated in U.S. emergenc...
Many Urban Seniors Rely on 'Broken' City Transit to Get to Medical Appointments
- Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
- October 27, 2022
- Full Page
More than 700,000 older Americans rely on public transportation to get to and from their medical appointments.
That's roughly 1 in 10 seniors who live in cities.
But when individuals were frail, or used a wheelchair, or sidewalks along their route were damaged, the...
High-Tech Socks Could Prevent Falls in At-Risk Patients
- Denise Mann HealthDay Reporter
- August 30, 2022
- Full Page
Every year, anywhere from 700,000 to 1 million people fall while in U.S. hospitals, and this often triggers a downward health spiral.
Little has been sh...
Heaters, Pools, Bed Rails: Household Dangers Can Kill Seniors
- March 9, 2022
- Full Page
A new report delivers a troubling statistic: Seven in 10 consumer product-related deaths occur among those over 65, even though these people only account for 16% of the U.S. population.
Each year, consumer products are linked to roughly 3,800 deaths and nearly 3 million ...
Feel Dizzy When You Stand Up? Two Simple Steps Might Ease That
- February 14, 2022
- Full Page
Almost everyone has had a dizzy spell after standing up too quickly, but some people suffer them regularly. Now, a new study suggests two do-it-yourself ways to help.
Overactive Bladder, Dangerous Falls Often Go Together for Seniors
- Robert Preidt
- December 10, 2021
- Full Page
An overactive bladder isn't just a nuisance and a source of embarrassment. For the elderly, it can also trigger a potentially fatal fall, a Canadian study says.
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Nearly 7% of U.S. Kids Have Had a Head Injury or Concussion
- Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
- December 1, 2021
- Full Page
Blows to the head are common among America's kids, with close to 7% showing signs of a brain injury at some time in childhood, U.S. health officials report.
Sports, falls and abuse are likely causes, experts say.
Concussions and other head injuries are more common...
Certain Blood Thinners Can Raise Risk of 'Delayed' Bleeding After Head Injury
- Ernie Mundell and Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporters
- November 30, 2021
- Full Page
Older blood thinners, especially when taken in combination with daily low-dose aspirin, are associated with a higher risk of brain bleeds and death after hospital discharge in patients treated for head injury, new research shows.
The risk fell when patients were taking o...
During the Holidays, Help Protect the Elderly from Falls
- November 26, 2021
- Full Page
A holiday visit with older relatives might be a good chance to help them remove fall risks in their home, an expert suggests.
Older adults' risk of falling may have increased during the pandemic due to declines in physical activity and mobility, along with increased isol...
Housework Might Boost Your Body & Mind
- Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
- November 23, 2021
- Full Page
Seniors, looking for a way to stay mentally quick and physically strong? Start scrubbing.
Researchers from Singapore say housework may be a key to keeping your brain sharp as you age.
The No. 1 Cause of Halloween Injuries: Carving the Pumpkin
- October 23, 2021
- Full Page
Your Jack-o'-Lantern may be more than scary -- it could be dangerous.
Pumpkin carving is the leading cause of injuries associated with Halloween, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Between October and November 2018 in the United States, 44% o...
Special 'Strategies' Can Help People With Parkinson's Walk, But Many Patients Unaware
- Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
- September 16, 2021
- Full Page
Movement can be very difficult for people with Parkinson's disease, as shaking and stiffness play havoc with balance, coordination and gait.
There are many different tricks Parkinson's patients can use to improve their walking and avoid injury from a bad tumble -- but a ...
Another Pandemic Harm: Seniors May Have Higher Risk of Falling
- Robert Preidt
- August 3, 2021
- Full Page
Older Americans already face a higher risk of falls, but the decline in physical activity during the pandemic may have made matters worse, a new survey suggests.
More than a third of the 2,074 U.S. adults aged 50 to 80 who took part in the online survey in January report...
Loneliness Raises Opioid Dangers in Seniors: Study
- Robert Preidt
- July 29, 2021
- Full Page
Illustrating a heartbreaking cycle, new research finds that lonely seniors are much more likely to take opioid painkillers, sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs and other medications.
This puts them at increased risk for drug dependency, attention problems, falls, accidents and...
Nearly All Seniors Take Meds That Raise Their Odds of Falling
- Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
- March 23, 2021
- Full Page
Among older Americans, deaths from falls are up sharply, dovetailing with a surge in use of medications that increase the risk of falling, researchers say.
Two decades ago, about 57% of U.S. seniors took medications that increased their risk of falls. By 2017, that numbe...
Cold Facts on Avoiding Snow and Ice Dangers
- Robert Preidt
- February 19, 2021
- Full Page
Severe winter weather has a grip on much of the United States, which increases the risk of injuries from slipping on ice, shoveling, sports such as skiing and sledding, and car crashes.
"One of the most frequently seen causes for visits to the emergency room this time of...
How to Stay Safe From Falls, Freezing This Winter
- December 27, 2020
- Full Page
Outdoor activities can help you keep fit this winter while staying safe from COVID-19, but you need to take precautions to reduce your risk of injury, an expert says.
Skiing and snowboarding are good examples. Falls are common in these sports, but proper technique and sa...
High-Dose Vitamin D Won't Prevent Seniors' Falls: Study
- Robert Preidt
- December 11, 2020
- Full Page
High doses of vitamin D may increase seniors' risk of falls, rather than reduce it, according to a new study.
Preliminary studies suggested vitamin D may increase muscle strength and improve balance, so Johns Hopkins researchers investigated whether high doses of vitamin...
Strong Sleeping Pills Tied to Falls, Fractures in Dementia Patients
- Steven Reinberg
- November 25, 2020
- Full Page
Strong sleeping pills known as "Z-drugs" may increase the risk of falls, fractures and stroke among people with dementia, British researchers report.
People with dementia can have trouble sleeping and are often prescribed drugs such as zaleplon (Sonata), zolpidem (Ambien...
How Hospitals Can Cut Patients' Falls
- Robert Preidt
- November 20, 2020
- Full Page
A new toolkit to help reduce falls and fall-related injuries among hospital patients is highly effective, a new study shows.
Falls are the leading cause of preventable injury, so researchers set out to create a fall prevention toolkit for patients and their families.
...
Shall You Dance? Study Finds Dancing Helps Seniors Avoid Falls
- Cara Robert Murez
- October 1, 2020
- Full Page
Preventing falls in older age could be as fun as dancing them away, new research shows.
Researchers found a 31% reduction in falls and a 37% reduction in fall risk for those aged 65 and older when reviewing clinical trials on "dance-based mind-motor activitie...
Fall Risk Rises Even in Alzheimer's Early Stages
- Steven Reinberg
- September 21, 2020
- Full Page
In older people a fall can sometimes be a sign of oncoming Alzheimer's disease, even in the absence of mental issues, new research suggests.
Although falls are common among older people, in some cases they can be a sign of hidden mental problems that can lead to dem...
Parkinson's Ups the Odds for Dangerous Falls, But Prevention Is Key
- E.J. Mundell
- September 16, 2020
- Full Page
A major cause of falls in older people is more common among Parkinson's patients, and monitoring for the condition might lower patients' risks, new research shows.
Ever feel dizzy and lightheaded when you suddenly stand up? It's caused by a sudden drop in blood press...
Ladder Injuries Can Go Far Beyond Broken Bones
- Robert Preidt
- July 6, 2020
- Full Page
Falling off a ladder can cause long-lasting mental and physical health problems, researchers say.
The new study included 134 people who fell off ladders and were seen at the emergency departments of two hospitals in Queensland, Australia, between October 2015 and Oct...
Active Older Vets More Likely to Fall, But Less Likely to Get Hurt: Study
- Robert Preidt
- April 20, 2020
- Full Page
Physically active U.S. veterans are more likely to fall but less likely to get hurt when they do, compared with inactive older adults who didn't serve in the military, a new study finds.
Researchers analyzed 2006-2015 data from nearly 12,000 veterans and nearly 37,00...
Sheltering at Home? Take Steps to Prevent Injuries From Falls
- Robert Preidt
- April 12, 2020
- Full Page
As you shelter at home during the coronavirus pandemic, eliminate hazards inside that could lead to falls, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) suggests.
Preventing injuries will help avoid putting added strain on a health care system struggling to tre...
Serious Eye Problems Common in People With Parkinson's
- Robert Preidt
- March 11, 2020
- Full Page
People with Parkinson's disease often have eye problems, which can interfere with their daily activities and increase their risk for falls, researchers say.
"It is especially important for people with Parkinson's to have the best vision possible because it can help c...
Bedside 'Sitters' May Not Prevent Hospital Falls
- Amy Norton
- February 3, 2020
- Full Page
Many hospitals use bedside "sitters" to protect patients from falling, but a new review finds little evidence the tactic works.
However, researchers said the problem is a lack of rigorous studies -- and not proof that bedside sitters are ineffective. So it would be p...
To Avoid Falls, Check Your Balance
- Len Canter
- December 26, 2019
- Full Page
Bad balance is a common cause of dangerous falls, especially among older adults. Falls send more than 2 million adults to the emergency room every year and often result in lengthy rehab stays.
Preventing falls is a priority for staying healthy and preventing painful ...
Vitamin D is Key to Muscle Strength in Older Adults
- Robert Preidt
- November 5, 2019
- Full Page
Vitamin D deficiency is linked with poor muscle health in older adults, a new study finds.
Maintaining muscle health helps seniors maintain their independence, mobility and quality of life. It also lowers their risk of falls and frailty.
Researchers looked ...
Jimmy Carter Recovering From Broken Pelvis After Fall
- Robert Preidt
- October 22, 2019
- Full Page
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is recovering in a Georgia hospital after he broke his pelvis in a fall at his home on Monday night.
"He has been admitted to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center for observation and treatment of a minor pelvic fracture," said a statement i...
Aggressive Blood Pressure Treatment Does Not Put Seniors at Risk: Study
- Robert Preidt
- September 9, 2019
- Full Page
Intensive treatment to lower high blood pressure can decrease older adults' risk of sharp blood pressure drops that can cause dizziness and increase the likelihood of falling, a new study says.
It included more than 2,800 patients, average age 63, who had recently su...
When Is It Time for Seniors to Hand Over the Car Keys?
- Robert Preidt
- August 20, 2019
- Full Page
Driving is a source of independence for many seniors, so determining when they should hang up the keys requires careful consideration, an expert says.
"Driving retirement is a normal part of aging, and should be carefully considered and discussed openly," said Dr. Er...
Upping Seniors' Blood Pressure Meds After Hospital Can Sometimes Bring Danger
- Robert Preidt
- August 19, 2019
- Full Page
For seniors who've been hospitalized for non-cardiac conditions, any hike in blood pressure medications as they leave the hospital can prove dangerous, new research shows.
That's because the prescription change may not help and could do harm -- putting them at higher...
Scorching Pavement Sends Some to the ER With Burns
- Alan Mozes
- August 2, 2019
- Full Page
Make sure rubber, not your skin, meets the road: When skin touches sunbaked pavement, serious burns can quickly set in.
In sizzling regions like the Southwestern United States, all it takes for a severe burn is 2 seconds of unprotected skin-on-asphalt contact, expert...
Middle Age Now a High-Risk Time for Bad Falls
- Robert Preidt
- July 30, 2019
- Full Page
Serious falls aren't the sole domain of seniors: New research shows they are a significant risk among middle-aged adults.
Why?
Blame multiple prescription medications, as well as alcohol and illegal drug use, a new study suggests.
Health care prov...
3 Moves for Better Balance
- Len Canter
- July 1, 2019
- Full Page
Guarding against falls isn't just for the elderly. The inner ear's ability to maintain balance can begin to decline as early as age 40, according to a study in Frontiers of Neurology. So the time to improve your balance is now.
Strong legs and flexible ankles ...
Falls Are Increasingly Lethal for Older Americans
- Steven Reinberg
- June 4, 2019
- Full Page
Deaths from falls are increasing sharply among elderly Americans, a new study finds.
Nearly 25,000 people 75 and older died as a result of falls in 2016 -- almost three times as many as in 2000. And experts warn that the toll is likely to rise along with population ...
Senior Falls a Key Factor for Hospital Readmission
- Robert Preidt
- May 24, 2019
- Full Page
Fall-related injuries are a major reason why seniors are readmitted to the hospital within a month after being discharged, a new study finds.
"Falls are a trifecta in terms of reasons why they need an increased focus," said principal investigator Geoffrey Hoffman, an...
New Theory Sheds Light on Leonardo da Vinci's Artistic Decline
- Robert Preidt
- May 6, 2019
- Full Page
A fainting-related fall that caused nerve damage in his right hand could explain why Leonardo da Vinci's painting skills declined later in life, a new paper suggests.
The report, published as the world marks the 500th anniversary of the artist's death, contradicts th...