Every year, about 800,000 patients face hospitalization due to fall injuries, explains the CDC. This is normally due to a hip fracture or hip injury. One out of five falls do result in serious injury and those at higher risk are 65 and older.
Falls occur due to several risk factors, from lower body weakness, limited balance to hazards such as broken steps.
The consequences associated with falls
Serious injuries from falls include:
- Broken bones
- Fear of everyday activities
- Head injuries
A consequence that most may not recognize is the fear that may follow a fall. A person may become afraid of another fall. He or she may then decrease everyday activities and in doing so become weaker. If a person takes blood thinners or other medications, a head injury can lead to serious consequences. Even if a patient feels fine after a fall, he or she should still see a doctor in the case of a brain injury.
Ways to protect the body while falling
When a person falls, he or she may panic and become rigid. AARP suggests that people bend at their elbows and knees to soften the impact. If possible, they should try to land on the meaty parts of the body, such as the muscles in the back or thighs. If falling backward, a person should always protect the head. He or she can do so by tucking the chin to the chest. Some people try to stop their body as quickly as they can. By doing this, it concentrates the impact on one area of the body. Instead, people should keep rolling to try to spread the impact.