Preventing Falls
Dear Editor: I’m writing this letter to talk about the devastating and life altering effects that falling down can have on older bodies; and bring attention to the importance of implementing simple strategies for preventing falls.
As one who works in the service of seniors and caregivers, I’m in a unique position of heightened awareness regarding the damage that one single fall can inflict on an elderly person. And while we might say that not every fall is 100-percent preventable, there is truth that in many situations falls can be avoided through preventative measures. Unfortunately, in many instances elders and their loved ones don’t consider fall prevention until after a fall occurs. This type of reaction-based approach is common and comes from another common belief that: “everything is fine, until it isn’t.” But is it? Well, responding to a fall by implementing a strategy to prevent more additional falls is certainly a wise decision, but it is not the best decision. Alternatively, let’s prioritize dialogs that encourage older persons and families to address this topic proactively and develop a safety strategy before they need it.
Important steps toward prevention are acknowledging that aging will be accompanied by new physical limitation and a certain level of increased and inevitable fragility; and accepting that the truth of this reality applies to all-of-us.
Yes, we can absolutely do things to maintain strength and stability as we age; and so the progression of fragility will vary, but it cannot be avoided altogether. Many things can impact and affect our balance as we get older, core and muscle strength of course, but also vision and even hearing loss. And when you combine diminished bone density in elderly bodies with any of these types of threats to balance, then any fall can be catastrophic and life altering.
For these reasons, it’s important for older persons to be prepared. Even if they don’t feel like they need help with balance today, having a fall prevention plan established before needing it might very well make the difference in their future. With heartfelt sincerity I urge all our beloved seniors and loved ones to think about how your “tomorrows” might be altered if you fall “today.” Don’t wait for an accident to happen.
There is an immense amount of information available, and many useful safety items to choose from when considering falls-prevention. There are proven simple exercises to maintain core strength and balance. There are mobility aids for all levels of need, and pretty much anything one might need for home and bathroom safety. If you don’t know where to begin, the Swan Lake Senior Center has a wide range of informational literature; if you can’t stop by to pick up, give them a call and they’ll mail some Falls-Prevention material to you. If you have internet access, a quick search of “falls prevention for seniors” will guide you to great resources to help you make informed decisions about this very important topic. Be safe and stay well.
Sandra Koval,
Southeast Senior Services,
Catholic Community Service
Transgenders and Sports
Dear Editor: Thank you, Sitka Sentinel, for posting the opportunity to comment on trans girls in sports in Alaska. The Alaska State School Board is taking public comments for 30 days on a proposal that would limit participation on girls high school sports teams to “females who were assigned female at birth,” because males have a biological advantage over females in sports.
Transgender boys would be allowed to participate on girls or boys teams. Cooperative activities (those that have boys and girls on the same team) would not be affected.
If you would like to learn more about this issue, look up Riley Gaines, NCAA swim team, and interviews with psychologist Jordan Peterson, about what is going on. It sure was an eye-opener for me. Comments can be submitted by email to deed.commissioner@alaska.gov.
Mary Stevens, Sitka
