How to Prevent Hip Fractures

As we age our chances of getting a hip fracture increases. The two main reasons someone sufferes from a hip fracture is due to osteoporosis and falls.

Osteoporosis causes around 300,000 hip fractures to occur each year. If you think you might have osteoporosis see your doctor immediately.

50-60% of falls occur at home. This can be prevented.

• Have a safety assessment done.
• Make sure that there are not rugs or anything lying on the floor
• Have all rooms well lit
• Use a cane or walker if needed to get around
• Get your vision checked annually
• Have adaptive equipment in the bathroom, such as grab bars
• Have a plan in place if you should happen to experience a fall at home
• Make sure there are clear paths to all exits in case of an emergency
• Most importantly be safe!

Hip fractures can be devastating for seniors. Follow these guidelines so you won't have to go through that experience.

Skin Care for Seniors

Skin changes as a person ages. Skin starts out soft and thick when we are babies, and eventually becomes drier and thinner. This change makes it harder for seniors to recover from what seems like just simple cut.

Here are some important skin care tips for seniors.
· Keep your skin clean. This is particularly important for the feet, armpits, groin, and chest.
· Avoid showering too often. Showering too much will dry out the skin. It is recommended that a senior bathe 2-3 times/week.
· Find good products to give a bed bath. A bed bath is a good alternative on days you don’t take a shower. You can find many bed bath products at your local drug store.
· Fill a spray bottle with baby oil and spray it over your body after a shower, then towel dry. Spraying baby oil on the body helps the skin stay moist, but keeps it from being too slick.
· Use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to reduce some of the skin’s dryness.
· Don’t overuse soaps. Overusing soap in the shower is a easy to dry out your skin.
· Drink Water. 72% of a skin’s weight is due to water, so it is important to drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy.
· Go to the doctor, if necessary. If your skin is continually feeling irritated, and you have tried some home remedies go to the doctor. Skin irritation could be sign of something else. So it is important to get it checked out if the problem persists.