Look Who it Was Random video

Avoiding Falls No Accident

44 views · Published 16 October 2015 · 1:20 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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Trips and falls are no laughing matter. Unintended spills carry serious consequences for senior citizens. 

“One out of three seniors fall every year. Half of those are hospitalized, and 50% of those pass away within a year. So it’s a horrible statistic. Horrible,” says Mark Tesoro. 

Mark Tesoro is an injury prevention analyst expert with Lee Memorial Health System. Statistically speaking, falls often begin a downward spiral for people over the age of 65; but age itself is not the biggest pitfall.

“Don't let somebody tell you that you’re 60 or 70 or 80 and that it’s just part of growing old because it’s not. If you’re falling, you’re falling for a reason,” says Tesoro. 

Balance fairs like this help people identify their weak spots. There are takeaways you can benefit from.  

To reduce your fall risk you can: begin a regular exercise program. Get rid of household hazards by clearing the clutter around you. Get your vision checked. And lastly, have a health provider review your meds. Dizziness is a common side-effect that can often be side-stepped.

“We want to make sure that folks know that they don't have to sit there and suffer through these side effects, there’s things to do,” says Tesoro. 

It begins with taking action, because avoiding falls is no accident. 

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

Visit leememorial.org

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