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| Dr. Martha Acosta noted that physical therapists can conduct a strength and balance assessment and design a program to help the elderly avoid falling, a major health concern of older Americans. | |
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Martha Acosta, Ph.D., PT, M.S., UT Health Science Center San Antonio assistant professor of physical therapy, recently participated in a televised panel discussion to educate senior citizens about how to prevent falls, a major health concern of older Americans.
The program, “Today’s Ministries,” aired Sept. 9 on CTSA, the local Catholic TV station.
Dr. Acosta is a board-certified geriatric clinical specialist. She discussed how to avoid falls, prevent injuries when falling and get up safely after a fall.
During the program, Dr. Acosta noted that falls are a major health concern for older adults, undermining confidence, the ability to get around and their independence. However, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. “We are trying to educate seniors to take the initiative to avoid injury,” she said. “There are several things seniors can do to avoid falling and the health problems that can result from a fall.
How to prevent falls“We recommend that older people ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines to try to limit side effects that might make them dizzy, sleepy or unsteady on their feet. Seniors should also have their eyes examined once a year so their vision will be as sharp as it can be. We also educate them on how to get rid of hazards around their homes that might cause them to fall,” she said.
Scheduling a balance and falls assessment with a physical therapist is also recommended. “Physical therapists can design a strengthening and balance retraining program that can help people limit the risk of falling,” Dr. Acosta said.
The panel discussion was associated with “
A Matter of Balance,” a senior citizen program sponsored by the Alamo Area Council of Governments and Bexar Area Agency on Aging to reduce injuries due to falls among senior citizens.
Dr. Acosta volunteers to present fall-prevention programs through this program and mentors her physical therapy students so that they can participate with her as a community service.
