Philips Web Site Offers Seniors and Caregivers Tips and Techniques for Preventing Falls

More than one-third of American seniors fall each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making falls the leading cause of injuries among those 65 and older. In fact, falls account for 25 percent of all hospital stays and 40 percent of all nursing home admissions. It is also widely believed that the speed of intervention -- reducing the amount of time that a senior might spend helpless on the floor -- is a key to more successful outcomes and a return to independent living.

"Preventing falls is the key, so making a home safer for anyone at risk for falling is the best place to start," notes Marc Braunstein with the Falls Program at Philips Lifeline.

According to experts, several factors contribute to a risk of falls. Therefore, it is important for seniors and their families to consider each of the following areas as part of their personal falls reduction plan:

-- Conduct a thorough review of the home for safety. Is there enough light to move about safely at night? Are there grab bars located near the toilet and tub or shower?

-- Speak with a pharmacist to get a 'medication checkup.' This will help determine what medications might interact and increase the risk of a fall.

-- Ask a doctor, physical or occupational therapist if it's time to start a safe exercise and balance program. Tai chi classes, for example, have proven to be an effective and enjoyable way to help prevent falls.

Dorothy Baker, RN PhD, a specialist in fall prevention at Yale University explains, "As we age, it becomes more difficult to get up from a fall even if there is no injury. Knowing a few simple techniques on the safe way to get up from the floor can be invaluable for seniors to learn."

Key to getting up from a fall is to take time to relax, gather your bearings and, should help not be readily available, prepare to try and raise yourself slowly and carefully, ideally onto a sturdy piece of furniture or bottom stair that is near.

Complete instructions, as well as a video showing Dr. Baker's exact technique, are located on the http://www.LearnNotToFall.com site.

To learn more, please visit http://www.LearnNotToFall.com.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics ofthe Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lighting and consumer lifestyle, delivering people-centric, innovative products, services and solutions through the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered inthe Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 134,200 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2007, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, as well as lifestyle solutions for personal wellbeing. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

     Media inquiries, please contact:
     Steve Kelly
     Philips Medical Systems
     Tel: +1 425 487 7479
     Email: steve.kelly@philips.com

     Ian Race
     Philips Medical Systems
     Tel: +1 978 659 4624
     Email: ian.race@philips.com

SOURCE Philips Lifeline

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