the Continuing Care Balance Centers

How bad a problem are falls due to balance disorders?

Falls are the number one cause of accidental death and the number one reason for hospital admission for people over 65. More than one-third of adults 65 years and older fall each year. Every minute of the day another person falls and fractures a hip. A joint paper between the American Geriatric society and the American Society of Orthopedic Surgeons * concluded that all patients over the age of 55 years should be screened by a physician to determine their risk for falling.

Balance is not just an issue for people over 65. It is estimated that over 50% of the entire population will experience dizziness or balance problems during their lifetime. As high as 85% of rear end motor vehicle accident collision victims will experience chronic vestibular deficits.

Injuries related to falls have reached epidemic proportions. The direct cost related to falls are projected to reach $240 billion a year. Most falls occur because people who have a problem with balance are totally unaware of it.

Please take a moment to learn more about balance disorders and fall prevention.

Just click on the links below:

CBS Evening News Mobile Video Link

http://streaming.prd.transpera.com/videos/0005/0002/5797/url_content.hinted.3gp

CBS Evening News Full Video Link

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4137053n%3fsource=search_video

NPR Story and Audio Link

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103463398

http://www.quicktime-downloads.net/