Feel Off Balance? Get a Free Fall and Balance Screening in October

By Tracy Simons | Silver Cross Hospital

Each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the consequences are great — seniors suffer from 360,000 to 480,000 fall-related fractures each year. To help reduce preventable falls, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross is offering complimentary Fall and Balance Screenings in October.

“Since falling is the leading cause of injury and deaths among people over the age of 65 and the leading cause of doctor visits, hospital admissions, and emergency room visits, it is important to determine if you are at risk,” says Matthew Boebel, Administrative Director for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital.

[ A Sponsored Feature from Silver Cross Hospital ]

Schedule an Appointment!

Appointments for free Fall and Balance screenings are available on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and Thursday, Oct. 9, at Silver Cross Hospital-Pavilion A, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox; Tuesdays, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21 at Silver Cross Health Center, 12701 W. 143rd St., Homer Glen; and Monday, Oct. 27 and Wednesday, Oct. 29 at Silver Cross Professional Building, 1051 Essington Rd., Joliet. The screening includes blood pressure readings, balance assessment, referral for treatment if needed. To schedule an appointment, call (815) 300-7110.

“Individuals who have been experiencing dizziness or vertigo, have had a history of falls, near falls, or simply a fear of falling are excellent candidates for a balance screening,” said Valerie Paluszak, Manager of Outpatient Rehabilitation for The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital. “It is so important to get screened because these falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can increase the risk of early death.”

How Can You Prevent Falls?

Stay independent and reduce your chances of falling by doing the following:

Exercise regularly. It is important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance. Tai Chi programs are especially good.

Ask doctor or pharmacist to review medicines—both prescription and over-the counter—to identify medicines that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.

Have eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and update eyeglasses to maximize vision. Consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for some activities such as walking outside.

Make your home safer by reducing tripping hazards such as throw rugs, adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet, adding railings on both sides of stairways, and improving the lighting in your homes.

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About the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital

Silver Cross Hospital and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) have teamed up to expand post-acute physical medicine and rehabilitation services in Will County and the southwest Chicagoland communities. The partnership provides world-class rehabilitation care for a range of conditions for patients close to home. Silver Cross is the only healthcare facility in the area with this breadth of services in partnership with RIC. Together, Silver Cross and RIC provide rehabilitation services in inpatient and outpatient care settings at three locations. Additionally, the RIC team provides physical therapy services for patients on the hospital’s medical and surgical floors. For more information about RIC at Silver Cross, call (815) 300-7110 or visit www.silvercross.org.