My Accidental Fall

Laurence Tabanao Gayao, M.D.

It was another one of those Texas lovely winter days with the temperature in the mid-70s. I walked our dog, Dallas, in the neighborhood. I usually do this ten-minute walk briskly so I could get a most exercise from it.

Dallas is a 7 month Black Mouth Cur 50 pound dog. We adopted him for our grand-kids Harriet and Iris from the Grand Prairie Animal Shelter when he was 13 weeks old. He was part of a five litter bunch. He was cute and playful and when my wife Edith saw him immediately fell in love with him. She preferred a small dog. She never imagined Dallas growing to over 50 lbs.

Harriet and Iris have Dallas well trained and taken cared of. This is their first dog, but they diligently study in how to care for and train him. Edith and I were hesitant to adopt a pet dog, but the two grandkids insistent and promised they would take care of the dog.

Now going back to walking with the Dallas as we were approaching our home, another individual was walking two big black dogs toward our direction. I stepped off the road and got in to our lawn and stopped and turn head toward the person passing by with his dogs waved my right and greeted him, Hi.

As I greeted the other person, Harriet walked out our front door and suddenly Dallas jump toward her. Suddenly, I fell facedown onto the dried grass of our lawn. I laid down for a few seconds wondering what happen. When I got up, my mind was hazy for about a minute. I felt some burning pain on the left side of my face, otherwise I was all right.

When I looked at myself in the mirror, I noted abrasions on the left side of the face with minor bleeding. There were no signs of other injuries. I breathe a prayer of thanks to God that this accident did not happen when I was on the paved road. Because if it did, the injuries would have been more serious. I could have ended with facial fractures or even a traumatic brain bleed.

This just happened two days shy of my 76th birthday. Each time I visit my private medical physician, I noted she always asks if I have had any accidental falls since my last visit. Why is this information important? I have worked in emergency rooms as a physician for almost 50 years and have treated countless elderly people who come in with injuries as a result of accidental falls. A good number of them with severe life threatening injuries. I noted the older they were the worse were their injuries.

I about a week before my fall at work in a orthopedic hospital ER, I attended to a lady in her mid sixties. She fell and complained of pain of her left shoulder. According to her, she was playing with her Great Dane dog that was over 120 lbs. when her it jumped on her causing her to lose her balance and fall on the right shoulder. I had to call an anesthesiologist to sedate her to put it back in place. So after I fell I immediately felt a sense of déjà vu.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “About 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year—resulting in over 32,000 deaths. Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury. One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.”

Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. One out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls a public health concern, particularly among the aging population.Facts About Older Adult Falls

• About 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year—resulting in over 32,000 deaths.
• Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.
• One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
• Each year, at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
• More than 95% of hip fractures external icon are caused by falling—usually by falling sideways.
• Women fall more often than men and account for three-quarters of all hip fractures.

What You Can Do

Falls are not a normal part of aging. You can keep on your feet and avoid the risk of a fall. Take steps to stay safe and independent longer. Learn what you can do to reduce your chances of falling pdf icon[PDF–2,367 KB].

A great first step is reading CDC’s Stay Independent brochure pdf icon[PDF–1,769 KB]. Complete the questionnaire. If you score four or more points, you may be at higher risk for falling.

Speak Up

• Talk openly with your doctor about fall risks and prevention.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have fallen, if you’re afraid you might fall, or if you feel unsteady.
• Review all of your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist and discuss any side effects like feeling dizzy or sleepy. Some medicines, even over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements, can increase your fall risk.
• Do you get dizzy or lightheaded when you go from sitting to standing? CDC’s Postural Hypotension pdf icon[PDF–2,224 KB] brochure has information on how to manage these symptoms.
• Have your eyes checked annually and update your glasses, as needed. Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma limit your vision.
• Have your feet checked. Discuss proper footwear with your doctor and ask whether seeing a foot specialist (podiatrist) is advised.

Stay Active

• Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance (like Tai Chi).

Make Your Home Safe

• Get rid of trip hazards. Keep floors clutter free.
• Add grab bars in the bathroom.
• Have handrails and lights installed on all staircases.

• Use the Check for Safety brochure pdf icon[PDF–2,625 KB] to help identify and eliminate additional fall hazards in your home.

The NCOA.org reports that every 11 seconds an elderly man or woman is brought to the ER after falling. Every 19 seconds a senior dies from injuries sustained during a fall.