The Connections Bridgewater-Somerville Edition Sept/Oct/Nov 2019

theconnectionsnj.com ^ƵƌĞ LJŽƵ͛ƌĞ ƚŽƵŐŚ͊ Ƶƚ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ŶĞĞĚƐ Ă ŚĂŶĚ ŶŽǁ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ͘ • Safety Supervision • Dementia Care M l P i • Bathing Assistance • Med Reminders T i 908-927-0500 Somerset Co & Middlesex Co Licensed, Bonded & Insured ǁǁǁ͘ĐŽŵĨŽƌĐĂƌĞ͘ĐŽŵͬŶĞǁͲũĞƌƐĞLJͬƐŽŵĞƌƐĞƚͲĐŽƵŶƚLJ • ea reparat on • Homemaking • ransportat on • Certified HHAs • Live-in & Hourly Christel Haase, Ph.D. Certified Reflexologist 7,000 That’s how many nerve endings there are on each foot 908-806-0266 • ChristelHaase8@gmail.com 4 Walter E. Foran Blvd, Ste 404 • Flemington Clinical Foot Reflexology 60 Min. Reg. $75.00 Special $65.00 Stimulation to nerve endings (reflex points) promotes circulation/lymph flow; relieves tension/stress, headaches/migraines, allergies, insomnia, foot/toe joint stiffness; & discomfort of plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, injury, tendonitis, and muscular issues. Expires December 2019 Pedicupping Reflexology 60 Min. Reg. $75.00 Special $65.00 All the benefits of Reflexology. Vacuum Suction applied to soft tissue of feet also loosens adhesions & softens scar tissue. Expires December 2019 Hand Reflexology 45 Min. Reg. $67.00 Special $59.00 Improves circulation, lymph flow, and flexibility/mobility in finger/wrist joints; relieves pain associated with arthritis, tendinitis, injury, and repetitive motion – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, computer use. Expires December 2019 Make an Appointment Today Above sessions include Thai Foot Reflexology Massage Foot pain and discomfort reveals more than the fit of your shoes – it’s also a stress signal from your glands, organs and body parts. Reflexology targets the foot/body connection, which helps ease the discomfort allowing your body to function in a more balanced way. The threat of falls is a constant concern for many older adults. Almost everyone over 60 knows of someone whose life has been suddenly changed by a tumble resulting in a broken bone or head injury. Now, it seems we have even more reason to worry. Surprising new research from the CDC shows that, among Americans aged 65 plus, fall-related deaths have tripled in the past ten years to more than 25,000 deaths a year. The research, recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), tracked both men and women and found that the increase in fall-related deaths was about the same for each group. Lead researcher Elizabeth Burns said, “If deaths from falls continue to increase at the same rate, the U.S. can expect 59,000 older adults will die because of a fall in 2030.” Exactly why the rates of fall-related deaths is increasing isn’t entirely clear, researchers said. One obvious explanation is that peo- ple today are living longer than ever before – and many of them live on their own or experience chronic conditions which leave them predisposed to falling. According to Dr. Burns, “The chance of falling increases with age, and risk is higher with certain chronic diseases, such as a history of stroke, arthritis, dia- betes, dementia and Parkinson's dis- ease.” In addition, many medications common to older adults (such as blood pressure meds), make them prone to fall. Other risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, chronic diseases, neurologic issues, and incontinence. One in three adults over 65 takes a seri- ous tumble every year – and even though most of those falls don’t result in death, the risk is always there. More often, however, a fall will result in a serious injury or permanent disability. According to Aging.com: • When seniors fall, their hospital stays are almost two times longer than those of elderly patients who are admitted for any other reason • Two-thirds of those who fall will do so again within six months • One in ten falls results in serious injuries such as hip fractures, other fractures, subdural hematomas, or traumatic brain injuries • One of the most profound effects of falling is a loss of confidence and independence The important thing to remember is that falls can be avoided or reduced. In anoth- er study published in JAMA, a home- based strength and balance program was found to reduce falls in older adults by 36% in just 12 months. A few of the exercises that can help reduce risk include: • Walking (both forward and back- ward!) • Balance exercises such as Tai Chi or squats • Resistance exercises with light weights or bands When our home care nurses observe a client who is showing signs of muscle loss or balance problems they will imme- diately encourage them to speak to their doctor about obtaining a script for phys- ical therapy. Medicare will usually cover this preventive measure, which can be done right in the client’s home if needed. Our certified home health aides often act as cheerleaders and safety coaches, encouraging their clients to keep up with their exercises between therapy sessions. The New Jersey Division of Aging Services also runs a free community pro- gram called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. The program is designed to address the phys- ical, social and cognitive factors affecting fear of falling. For more information on how ComForCare Home Care can help with fall prevention for your loved ones don’t hesitate to call us at 908-927-0500. NEW STATISTICS UNDERSCORE THE RISK OF FALLS By: Nancy Lorince, CSA, CDP, Managing Director ComForCare Home Care 92 East Main Street, Suite 305, Somerville NJ 08876 908-927-0500 www.comforcare.com PAGE 24 Health & Wellness