All pdf BH Issue 33 Eng

If diagnosed with osteoporosis, get treatment to reduce
the risk of bone fractures.
3. Equilibrium (balance) problems
and accidental falls
Balance problems that lead to
falls have several causes. These
include joint degeneration, muscular
atrophy or weakness, brain
diseases, a decrease in blood
pressure when getting up from a
sitting or lying position, cardiac
arrhythmias, medications affecting
blood pressure or causing drowsiness,
living environments with insufficient light,
hazardous furniture, or sloping, slippery, or wet areas.
Balance problems or accidental falls are especially
dangerous for older patients with osteoporosis. Falls can
easily cause bone fractures which can lead to a multitude
of problems and complications such as the need for surgery
and prolonged hospital stays.
Prevention and care
Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or low blood
pressure.
Do exercises that focus on muscular strength and balance.
Improve the safety of the living environment, such as
by installing sufficient lighting, non-slip flooring, and
handrails.
Have a bone density test for osteoporosis and receive
treatment as necessary.
4. Insomnia
Sleep problems are very common
as we age, due to worsening quality
of sleep. These may include
difficulty falling asleep, frequent
waking, unrestful sleep, and feeling
unrefreshed in the morning.
Causes of poor sleep quality include
aging physiology, depression, stress,
anxiety, chronic pain, acid reflux,
respiratory problems, snoring, frequent urination, and the
side effects of medications.
Insomnia increases the probability of falls, depression,
and an impaired immune system, which can lead to other
health problems.
Prevention and care
Design the bedroom to promote better sleep, for example,
use curtains and bedclothes with calm and solid colors
(not too hot or too cold).
Try to sleep in the same place and at the same time
every night to regulate the body clock.
Don’t go to sleep too early. The best hours to go to bed
are from 21.00 to 22.00, and to wake up are from
4.00 to 5.00.
Drink water first thing in the morning and throughout
the day. Reduce water intake after dinner to decrease
night time urination; avoid caffeinated drinks after 14.00.
Don’t take long afternoon naps. Instead, do a stimulating
activity such as chatting with friends. If you have fatigue
or drowsiness, take a short nap no later than 15.00.
Ask your doctor to review any medications that may
cause insomnia, or any other factors that may lead to
insomnia as well.
Use sleeping pills only under a doctor’s supervision.
Prolonged use can cause dependence.
5. Urinary and fecal incontinence
Urinary or fecal incontinence results
from many factors such as pelvic
muscular weakness or atonicity,
overactive bladder, brain and
nerve related continence control
problems, certain types of medications,
infection, constipation,
prostatic enlargement, and
diabetes.
Prevention and care
Consult a doctor to find correctable causes such as
bladder infection.
Do exercises and movements to strengthen muscles such
as clenching the pelvic floor muscle 50 to 100 times
a day.
Urinate when the urge comes, but if practical, try to
extend the time between bathroom visits to train the
bladder to hold more urine.
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