As people grow older their ability to avoid falls becomes more important.  Statistics show that 30% of Americans over the age of 65 fall each year. Of those falls, 1 in 5 people will receive serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.  The cause of the fall can be extremely varied.  It could be from a simple mistake such as tripping over an object, weakness, infections or positional vertigo. 

Positional vertigo can affect anyone of any age.  It is  an impairment to the inner ear vestibular system caused by a small calcium deposit floating in the inner ear fluid.  T he result would be severe dizziness when changing head positions.  Head position changes could be the result of rolling over in bed or bending over and then returning upright.  If those movements cause a sensation of dizziness, the patient should contact their health care provider and ask for a referral to physical therapy , as they can correct this condition.  

Other culprits of dizziness  include reactions to medications or deteriorating vision.  The fear of falling often causes older people to cut down on their activity, making them more sedentary and decreasing their overall health. Strengthening exercises and balance activities can be provided by a physical therapist. Other interventions can be completed to make the home safer, such as removing throw rugs, adding grab bars, and improving lighting.  Recommendations regarding improving the safety of the home environment can be provided by an occupational therapist.

According to Futures Without Violence,  domestic violence is a health care problem reaching epidemic proportions. In addition to the immediate trauma caused by abuse, domestic violence contributes to a number of chronic health problems, including depression, alcohol and substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and often limits the ability of those affected to manage other chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.

Floyd Valley Healthcare will offer to call for a domestic abuse or sexual assault advocate when a victim presents in the Emergency Department.  Staff is also trained to look for the signs of human trafficking.  Floyd Valley Healthcare collaborates with the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (CSADV) to ensure that survivors, both male and female, receive the best care possible. 

In addition to emergent care, providers at Floyd Valley Clinics screen for domestic and dating violence and offer information about CSADV's free and confidential services if a patient history warrants intervention. Ensuring survivors have access to services has shown to reduce the number of deaths due to domestic and sexual violence.

 

For more information, you may contact CSADV at (712) 546-6764 or (800) 982-7233. Calls are answered by an advocate 24 hours every day and can provide safe sheltering, 24-hour local hotline and crisis response, supportive non-judgmental counseling, legal and medical advocacy as well as community education.