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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Fall is the Time to Tumble-Proof Your Home

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Thursday, September 10, 2015   

CHEYENNE, Wy. - September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, calling attention to the frequency and seriousness of falls among older people, and ways to prevent them.

It's estimated that one in three people over age 65 takes a major, unexpected tumble at least once a year. Dr. Sascha Dublin, internal medicine physician and investigator at Group Health, says it can be a challenge getting an older relative or friend to agree to a risk evaluation, but it's important to try.

"When I talk about how important is it to you to stay in your own home and stay independent, they're often really highly motivated to do things that will let them stay independent as long as possible," says Sascha.

A fall-risk evaluation includes a person's gait and balance, his or her health conditions, medications and home environment. Dublin says people who use balance aids such as canes or walkers often need a little training to use them correctly, and may be using a hand-me-down piece of equipment that isn't the right size or height and can put them at greater risk of a fall.

Among seniors who take a major fall, Dublin says two-thirds will fall again within six months.

Group Health recommends preventive steps including exercise as people age, not just any exercise, but those that can improve strength, balance and coordination. Tai chi is at the top of Dublin's list, but there are others.

"Many people don't realize how much improvement they may be able to get with becoming more physically active," says Sacha. "For instance, there have been randomized trials that took 90 year olds to do very gentle weight-lifting in the gym, and found substantial benefits from just small amounts of gentle weight lifting to strengthen leg muscles."

Dublin adds, it's important to tell a doctor or physical therapist about a person's over-the-counter medication use, not only prescriptions. She says cold medications and sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make the user drowsy or dizzy.


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