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Data over a 12-year span from 1998 to 2010 show a significant increase in the number of falls among adults aged 65 and older. But findings indicate a boost in falls across the entire age spectrum rather than among only the oldest old as researchers anticipated.
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— Barbara Worthington, editor |
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Study Suggests Increase in Falls Among the Elderly
During a 12-year period, the prevalence of falls among older adults appeared to be on the rise, according to a new nationally representative study.
Falling is the most frequent cause of injury among older adults and each year about one-third of older adults fall. Researchers analyzed data from 1998 to 2010 among adults aged 65 and older and found an 8% increase in falls, which translates to a relative increase of nearly 30%. The findings appeared earlier this year in JAMA Internal Medicine.
“We expected an increase because older adults are getting older, and there are more 80- and 90-year-old adults than before, but we were very surprised to find that the increase in falls was not due to the changing demography,” says lead author Christine Cigolle, MD, MPH, an assistant professor in the departments of family medicine and internal medicine at the University of Michigan (U-M) and a research scientist at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center.
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Long-Term Bisphosphonate Use: When to Stop? When to Restart?
Duration of bisphosphonate treatment and possible discontinuation should be personalized for patients based on their response to treatment, fracture risk, and comorbidities. Read more »
Team-Based Care Optimizes Outcomes
Coordinated communication among care team members ensures that patient care decisions consider input from clinical specialists, expedited service delivery, and cost-effective strategies. Read more »
Developing an Assisted Living Practice
It is both possible and profitable for providers to start practices in assisted living facilities, which are among the most rapidly growing sectors in health care. Read more » |
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The Trouble With Advance Directives
Advance directives often fail, not only because they’re not medical orders but also because their language can be vague or ambiguous, according to an article in The New York Times.
Artificial Cartilage Implants May Reduce Need
for Knee Replacement Surgery
Is there a viable alternative to knee replacement surgery? An article at Fox News online suggests there may be.
Hospital Treats Nursing Stress With Mindfulness Workshops
Mindfulness may be helpful in relieving nurses’ high stress levels, according to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Falls May Be Tied to Irregular Heartbeat
Is there an association in older adults between atrial fibrillation and falls? An article at Fox News online details the new research. |
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MedCenter Systems
MedCenter Systems has released a device to help with proper dosage and timing of medication. The system focuses on listing the date rather than day of the week, which helps users who may be unsure whether it is Monday or Tuesday. Designed by an inventor who was inspired by his father who forgot to take his medication, the device encourages and improves adherence. Learn more »
TruVue Heel Protector
The TruVue Heel Protector is constructed with an antishear pad. The Achilles pillow is positioned under the Achilles tendon to provide heel elevation and to cushion the tendon from pressure locations. The protector securely holds the leg and foot in place while allowing for full range of motion. Caregivers can use it to pull the foot back to a neutral 90-degree orientation. The product, designed for single-patient use, is available in petite, standard, and extra large. Learn more » |
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A Secure, Anonymous Résumé Bank
Job Alerts Sent to Your E-mail |
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Geriatrician
Sparrow Medical Group, Lansing, Michigan
Geriatrician
Carle Physicians Group, Urbana, Illinois
Assistant Professor of Geriatrics
Ohio Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio
Geriatrician
St Joseph's Hospital, Nashua, New Hampshire
Geriatrician
UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas |
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