Home Prep Sports Orthopaedics Neurology Patient Information Billing/Accounts Prevention & Healthy Habits Forms Notice of Privacy Practices History/About History of Klasinski Clinic Patient Testimonials Careers Contact Us Diagnostic Services

Prevention & Healthy Habits Injury prevention takes a small effort to reduce the likelihood of bodily harm. Unintentional injuries are commonly considered results of an accident, such as an injury from a sport or an activity at home or work. Injuries can be reduced by taking a common sense approach to the environment around you, the activity you are engaging in, or by making sure you pay attention to your overall health. Fall Prevention Falls are a common, yet often devastating occurrence for elderly people, causing hip fractures and head injuries that often result in prolonged hospital and nursing home stays. To help prevent falls, follow these simple rules: Remove loose rugs from floors, as they can cause slipping. Remove unnecessary furniture that narrows walking paths through the home, as they can catch clothing or trip people walking. Keep outdoor walkways clear of snow and ice. Keep salt or sand handy, and spread it before going outside. If it is slippery outside, leave the mail for a day or so until the ice is cleared. Be especially wary of a light snow over icy patches underneath. Use an assistive device, such as a cane or walking stick, to give a third point of balance. Make it something playful and fun if you want, it is cheap insurance against expensive and unpleasant nursing home stays. Head Injury Prevention Head injuries can occur with many sporting activities. Using a properly fitting helmet can minimize the occurrence and severity of injuries. Beyond the sports where they are mandated by rules, bicycling, downhill skiing and snowboarding are sports where helmets are a good precaution. Parents should wear them as well as their children, since the kids are as dependent on the parents’ health as they are on their own! When head injuries occur, it is critical that they have completely resolved prior to further participation in the sport, to prevent "second impact syndrome", which can be fatal. Evaluation and management by a physician and/or athletic trainer is important for good return to play decisions. Exercise Getting aerobic exercise such as 2 1/2 hours of walking or 90 minutes of jogging per week has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of sudden cardiac death. It is important to get your heart rate up, so you need to “walk” rather than just “stroll.” If you are starting a program, begin gradually and increase as your fitness improves. If you push too hard to early, you may not be able to continue your program. Doing some resistance exercises, such as push-ups against a wall or kitchen counter, can help prevent injuries such as wrist fractures. Working with a personal fitness trainer at a health club can keep you focused in a program tailored just for you. Remember, exercise is like putting money in a retirement account: It is an investment in your future happiness! We hope you enjoy these injury prevention tips.

Back

Copyright 2010 - Klasinski Clinic, S.C. - 500 Vincent Street, Stevens Point, WI - 715-344-0701 - fax 715-344-4494