Physical therapy group sets up hotline about falls

Falls are a major cause of injury for people over 65, so the American Physical Therapy Association has created a toll-free hot line (877-NEED-A-PT) to answer questions about falls and how to prevent them. The hot line will be active from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 8.

Risk factors associated with falls include: being older; being female; impairment of balance or walking; poor vision; leg or trunk weakness; reduced cognitive status (dementia); pre-existing medical conditions, such as Parkinson disease, stroke, or diabetes; being on more than four medications simultaneously; use of an assistive walking device; and a past history of falls.

Maintaining physical activity as one ages is one of the most critical things seniors can do to help prevent falls, said Roberta Newton, a professor at Temple University's Department of Physical Therapy. *