PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — About 36 million people experience serious falls every year, and 6.8 million need to be seen in an emergency department. About 300,000 hip fractures and 42,000 deaths are caused by falls every year.
Many falls can't be prevented, but when you realize that the majority of falls happen in a person's home, it makes sense to make our homes safer. If you want to reduce your chances of falling, reduce clutter, improve lighting, and make sure that you have proper footwear. One of the most common culprits of falls is a throw rug.
Take a look around your house and try to eliminate things that increase fall risks. Get your vision checked, too, and if you need glasses, get them.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
