Falls/ Fractures/ Mobility Loss

A new study by doctors at the University of Montreal and an associated Montreal hospital have found that about half of seniors with visually impairing eye diseases report limiting their social activities due to fear of falling. This also . . . → Read More: Vision Problems Commonly Lead Older Adults to Limit Activity for Fear of Falling, New Study Finds

According to a special health report issued by Harvard Health Publications of Harvard Medical School, “Sarcopenia—the gradual decrease in muscle tissue—starts at around age 30, [and] the average 30-year-old can expect to lose about 25% of muscle mass and . . . → Read More: Harvard Health Publishes Report on Strength and Power Training: A guide for adults of all ages

New research published September 12 in The Cochrane Library has found that of several fall-prevention methods studied, exercise including strength and balance training was most effective in reducing the risk of falling for seniors. Modifications of the home to . . . → Read More: Exercise & Home Modification Most Effective to Prevent Falls in Seniors, New Study Finds

“More than 4 in 10 Americans will experience an episode of dizziness sometime during their lives that’s significant enough to send them to a doctor,” according to the August, 2012 issue of NIH News in Health, a monthly newsletter . . . → Read More: Dizziness & Balance Disorders Arise from Conditions Common with Aging, Experts Report

Harvard Health Publications has issued a newly revised Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School on “Foot Care Basics: Preventing and treating common foot conditions.” “Three out of four Americans will suffer some kind of foot ailment in their . . . → Read More: Harvard Health Updates Report on Foot Care Basics – Preventing and Treating Common Foot Conditions

UPDATED July 23, 2012: A new Health Tip published by MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health advocates that seniors “make exercise a social activity.” “Participate in a group dance class or a . . . → Read More: Experts Advocate Dancing for Health

Harvard Health Publications has published a new Special Health Report entitled, “The Joint Pain Relief Workout: Healing exercises for your shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles.” The Report provides exercises designed by doctors at Harvard Medical School, along with Master . . . → Read More: Harvard Health Publishes New Joint Pain Relief Workout

June has been designated “National Safety Month,” an annual observance sponsored by the National Safety Council (NSC), a non-profit organization, “to increase awareness of the top causes of preventable injuries and deaths and to encourage safe behaviors.” Each week . . . → Read More: National Safety Month Focuses on Preventing Slips, Trips & Falls among Older Adults

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Consumer Reports jointly announced yesterday that they will work together to produce a new series of “High Value Care” guides to help patients understand what are appropriate treatments for common health problems. . . . → Read More: New High Value Care Guides for Patients Are Jointly Announced by American College of Physicians & Consumer Reports

Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida offers a free interdisciplinary Fall Prevention Evaluation for older adults who are at risk due to balance problems. “This service provides a one-time, comprehensive, multiple discipline evaluation for balance and fall risk factors. . . . → Read More: Free Fall Prevention Evaluation for Older Adults Offered by Nova Southeastern University

A new study by researchers at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, has found that mice fed Vitamin E supplement in a quantity similar to that consumed by many people taking Vitamin E supplements lost bone mass, while those bred . . . → Read More: Vitamin E Supplements May Weaken Bones, New Mouse Study Suggests

Harvard Health Publications has issued a revised and updated version of its Special Health Report on “Low Back Pain: Healing Your Aching Back,” written by experts at Harvard Medical School. According to Harvard Health Publications, “Back pain is one . . . → Read More: Harvard Issues Updated Report on Low Back Pain: Healing Your Aching Back

The University of Sidney, Australia has announced a new study to test whether twice weekly ballroom dancing can restore balance and strength and prevent falls in older adults. The one-year long study, entitled “The effectiveness of social dancing as . . . → Read More: New Study: Can Twice Weekly Ballroom Dancing Prevent Falls in Elderly?

Some dizziness (vertigo) is associated with migrane headaches. If you are experiencing dizziness or headaches, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and potential treatment. For an introduction, see this video on Migranes and Vertigo, from the Mayo . . . → Read More: Some Vertigo Associated with Migranes

Assistance Dogs (sometimes called “Service Dogs”) provide remarkable help for those with limited mobility. In addition to the salutary love, bond, and companionship that the dogs provide, Assistance Dogs are trained to help with many tasks that make life . . . → Read More: Assistance Dogs Provide Wonderful Help for Those with Limited Mobility

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is providing a new series of Guides for Patients and Consumers. These new Guides for Patients and Consumers include Consumer . . . → Read More: New Patient Guides & Treatment Decision Aids Provided by AHRQ

The HHS Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that fall-related injuries are responsible for about two million visits to hospital emergency departments per year, according to a May 12, 2011 HealthBeat report issued by the U.S. Department of . . . → Read More: Prevent Falls by Older Adults

As reported in the New York Times, several lawsuits are now being pursued against drug companies, alleging that continued use of bone-loss drugs, such as Fosamax and others, caused jawbone disintegration, thigh fractures, and other serious problems. An Advisory . . . → Read More: Fosamax Lawsuits Question Wide Use of Osteoporosis Drugs