Proven Health Ways, Inc Supports US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation on Fall Prevention for Those Age 65 and Over

Milwaukee, WI, June 30, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Between 30% and 40% of people aged 65 and over living in the community fall at least once per year. And as everyone who has an elderly relative knows, falls can be very serious and cause great harm. As of May 2012, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends fall prevention in this age group.

Who is at risk for falls?
There is no single proven way to determine who is at risk for falling. However, the factor most often associated with falls is a prior fall. Other risk factors include older age and walking or balance problems. One test often used to check for risk of falls is the “Get up and go test.” You perform the test by sitting in a chair without arm rests, getting up and walking about 10 feet, returning to the chair and sitting back down. A healthy adult over 60 years old can perform this test in less than 10 seconds. If it takes longer, they may be at increased risk for falling.

How do you lower the risk for falls?
There are two ways that have shown benefit. One is taking a Vitamin D supplement. Studies have shown that about 800 units daily is enough. I would recommend Vitamin D3 at 800 to 1000 units daily. Since subjects in the studies were studied for a year or more, it is not known if taking Vitamin D for less that a year is beneficial.

Exercise also reduces the risk for falls. How much and what kind of exercise is not known for sure, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise, as well as muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice per week. Balance training is also recommended for those with recent falls or problems walking.

There is not enough evidence to know if vision correction, protein supplementation, or home hazard modification reduce the risk of falling.

Other ways to stay healthy.
The information above is adapted from the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce. It is endorsed by Proven Health Ways, Inc. For more information on ways to stay healthy, check out Proven Health Ways, Inc's iPhone app called My Health Checklist 2012, or visit the Proven Health Ways website.