BIAU Gives the 2017 Professional Award to Dr. Lynn Gaufin a Cognitive FX Partner
Written by theBrain Injury Alliance of Utah
Adults 65+ years have the highest rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) deaths, according to the New York Department of Health.
Regardless of your age now, we all get older, even if we don’t want to. You can also think about your parents and grandparents, and the importance of helping those you love prevent an injury. Through these tips, you can learn how to reduce the risk of the elderly, or yourself from a concussion or brain injury. While a brain injury cannot fully be prevented here are some suggestions.
Here are some tips to help prevent falls, specifically for the elderly:
- Get your eyes checked yearly. If you have poor vision, you have a much higher risk of stumbling over obstacles, which could result in a brain injury.
- Improve the lighting in your home. When there is dim lighting in the home it is easy to trip over objects or steps. Falls are the leading cause for TBI according to the CDC.
- Use mats in the bathtub and shower to avoid the wet, slippery floor. This will cause traction and create a more stable environment in the shower while reducing slips and falls.
- Remove hazards in walking paths that could cause falls. If you have clear walking paths you will prevent yourself from tripping over an obstacle. Taking a few minutes each night before you go to sleep to clean things up can be helpful in reducing falls.
- Start a regular exercise routine to improve balance and coordination. It is important to get your heart rate up and stay active, whether that is going for a walk outside or swimming a few laps in the pool. Exercise keeps your body, mind, and senses sharp.
- Use handrails on staircases. Balance can become more difficult with age and holding onto handrails is crucial when it comes to preventing a brain injury.
- Eat healthy foods for the brain. When you fuel your body with nutritious foods, you have more energy to put into your daily activities. Eating healthy foods, including healthy fat is also important to support brain function and health in general.
- Go to your annual check-up with your doctor and have them review your current medications and the proper dosage. Your body and tolerances can change so it is important review your medications on a regular basis.
Implementing these tips into your life can help reduce the possibility of a concussion or brain injury. If anything, please share these tips with your grandparents and help them live a happier and healthier life, with a lower risk of a brain injury.
