Abbie Road

New Year is the traditional time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make.  My resolution stems from an incident last November when I tripped in my office, fell over a chair and ended up in the emergency room at Mercy Memorial Hospital.  I can’t say enough good things about the staff, treatment and quality of the care in our emergency department, but that’s just the beginning of the life changes when you’re injured in a fall.

 The pain and discomfort is physical, mental, emotional and a heavy burden on one’s spirit.  Your body hurts from the injury, many of the procedures, tests and treatment regimens are uncomfortable and it’s maddening when it is impossible to do the simple tasks of daily living.

All your friends are sympathetic and want to be supportive but there is not much they can do except keep you in their prayers.  Once the acute injury is stabilized there are dozens of phone calls and trips required to contact insurance companies for approval, doctors’ referrals, getting to medical appointments, tests, therapists, pharmacists, etc.

Meanwhile you are often homebound, mediated to the gills, missing your normal routine and if you’re like me, too uncomfortable to fully appreciate visits and phone calls.  Day and night seems to blend together until you don’t know and don’t care what day of the week it is.

Over the years I have spoken to literally thousands of people who have fallen and injured themselves and the one thing we all have in common is that “we didn’t see it coming.”  Sadly, most falls, mine included, could have been avoided if only we had taken simple steps.  You can reduce your chances of falling by following these tips:

• Begin a regular exercise program
• Make your home (and office) safer
• Have your health care provider review your medicines
• Have your vision checked
• Wear shoes that have non-slip soles and patterned tread and rounded broad heels
• B e aware of where your pet is and be careful when visiting others who have pets too
• Use assistive devises like walkers, canes and wheel chairs, embarrassment is a minor and temporary inconvenience compared to a broken body.

Fortunately I have mended fairly well and back to a new routine that involves exercise, tai chi (Friday’s at the Center, come join us) and healthy eating.  My home and office have been “fall-proofed” and I am making a conscious effort to slow down and be more careful in my day to day activities.  Words can not express what the concern, well wishes, notes of encourangement and prayers have meant to me while I was convalescing, they filled my heart and carried me through the difficult days just knowing that I mean so much to others.