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Area Doctor Offers Advice For Helping Elderly Avoid Dangerous Falls

By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Today, on National Falls Prevention Day, a local doctor had some tips for keeping older people safe at home.

One third of adults aged 65 and older fall every year, and many are seriously injured.

Dr. Carl Chudnofsky, chairman of emergency medicine at Einstein Healthcare Network, suggests that at home you tack down loose carpets, add brighter lights and bathroom handrails, then ask your doctor to evaluate all the medicines being taken.

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(Dr. Carl Chudnofsky. Photo provided)

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"The more medicines a person takes, the higher the risk of falling," Dr. Chudnofsky notes, "so you really want the geriatric patient to be on the fewest medications necessary.   And if you can remove any psychiatric (or) psychotropic types of medications, those are actually the most associated with the risk of falling."

He also advises the elderly to wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes, have their vision checked, and exercise daily to keep muscles strong.

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