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The Honolulu Advertiser
Reduce risk of falling with preventive tips | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper
Posted on: Tuesday, October 11, 2005

ISLAND LIFE SHORTS
 Reduce risk of falling with preventive tips

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Falls are the leading cause of injury and death for Americans 65 years and older, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reports. Here are some ways to reduce the risk:

  • Increase lower-body strength and improve balance through regular physical activity. Tai chi is an effective exercise program for seniors.

  • Review medicines to reduce side effects and interactions.

  • Seniors should see a primary-care physician and eye doctor regularly to check for chronic conditions. Important fall risk factors include Parkinson's disease, history of stroke, arthritis, cognitive impairment and visual impairments.

  • Since one-half to two-thirds of all falls occur in the home, take a careful look there. Fall hazards include slippery surfaces, unstable furniture, poor lighting and lack of stair railings or grab bars.



    BOX OFFICE



    'WALLACE & GROMIT' NO. 1

    The plasticine adventures of a man and his dog attracted families to movie theaters over the weekend as Dreamworks' "Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" took in an estimated $16.1 million to snag the top spot at the box office.

    "Flightplan" slipped to No. 2 with $10.8 million, bringing its gross to $60.9 million.

    New releases "In Her Shoes" ($10 million), "Two for the Money" ($8.4 million) and "The Gospel" ($8 million) rounded out the Top Five, and Lions Gate's new comedy "Waiting" ($5.7 million) debuted at No. 7.

    final word

    "I think when the movie 'Roxanne' came out, which I also had written, I felt something new that I never felt, which was respect."

    Steve Martin | as quoted by the Associated Press



    SENIOR HEALTH



    REDUCE RISK OF FALLING WITH PREVENTIVE TIPS

    Falls are the leading cause of injury and death for Americans 65 years and older, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reports. Here are some ways to reduce the risk:
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