34 THE QUEENS COURIER • WELLNESS • MARCH 16, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM wellness Keep yourself safe from hazardous falls with these 5 easy tips Pop quiz: What is the leading cause of injury and death in older Americans? Cancer? Nope. Heart attack? Try again. Th e answer? Falling down. According to a recent study by the CDC, in 2014 elderly Americans experienced Ask the Commish: Why older adults should still exercise BY DONNA CORRADO Commissioner, NYC Department for the Aging What are some of the added benefi ts of exercise for older adults? Beyond the physical gains, exercise can improve balance and help reduce falls, prevent or delay diseases, reduce health care costs, and even improve the mental health of older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a study of older adults HYPERLINK “https://www.cdc.gov/features/activity older-adults/index.html”attending HYPERLINK “https://www.cdc.gov/ features/activity-older-adults/index. html” fi tness progra HYPERLINK “https://www.cdc.gov/features/activity older-adults/index.html”ms found that participants of the exercise classes – which focused on strength training, low-impact aerobics, stretching, fl exibility and balance – showed a 52 percent improvement in their feelings of sadness or depression. A separate study of Medicare-eligible adults found that those who participated in an exercise program one or more times a week had “total health care costs that were 79.3 percent” of olders who didn’t exercise. Th ere is no doubt that exercise promotes a holistic approach to active aging. Th e goal may no longer be to obtain a six-pack, but the results are still real. Does the city off er exercise programs for older adults? Members of Department for the Aging-funded senior centers and naturally occurring retirement communities enjoy a variety of fi tness activities that are scientifi cally proven to reduce falls and build strength. Some of those classes include Stay Active and Independent for Life and Tai Chi for Arthritis. Th e best part is that the classes are free. Older adults can also join the Department of Parks and Recreation’s centers for the reduced price of $20 a year. Additionally, the agency off ers Senior Splash classes, free Shape Up NYC classes across the city and even hosts free Olympics-style Senior Games. To learn more about any of these activities, call 311. more than 29 million falls, resulting in seven million injuries. Queens has the second largest population of residents over the age of 60 in New York City, and it’s important for them to known that one fall could have serious consequences. Luckily, such serious falls can be be prevented. Here are 5 easy ways that you can prevent falls in you or your loved one’s home, courtesy of Laurie Chichester, MS, a licensed physical therapist and VP at MJHS. 1. Lights the way at nighttime to prevent falls in the dark Falls are not limited to daytime. That middle of the night bathroom trip could lead to an actual trip and fall if your path isn’t lit properly. Install night lights or motion sensor lights near potential tripping hazards or obstacles. 2. Put everyday necessities in easy to reach places Are there things in your kitchen or bathroom that you use every day? Don’t hide them away on high shelves or in hard to reach places! Keep your everyday needs on the counter or a low shelf so you can grab it with ease. 3. Dress yourself for safety Choose your winter clothes wisely. Keep your laces tight and tuck away any loose clothing – anything can get snagged on something, which could cause a serious fall. 4. Keep floors clear of irregular bumps Throw rugs can spice up the look of your floor, but they can be a potential tripping hazard. Keep your floors free of debris, rugs or other tripping hazards that could land you in the hospital with a serious injury. 5. Get tech-savvy and arm yourself with fall detection equipment There are all kinds of fall detecting equipment and emergency alert devices available, so why not protect yourself with one? They could mean the difference between getting help when you need it or laying alone on the floor for hours (or even days) after a serious fall. Chart courtesy of MJHS FREE Eye Exam WITH PURCHASE OF COMPLETE PAIR OF GLASSES OR EYE EXAM ONLY – $25 (REG. $85) Dr Lee is here every Friday for Exams from 12-6pm COMPETITIVE PRICES 20% OFF ALL PURCHASES Varilux no-line bifocals $170 2 Pairs of Eyeglasses (Frames & Lenses) $99 We Honor Most Competitor’s Coupons WE ARE A LOCAL FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS, NOT A CHAIN HUGE SELECTION! 50% OFF non-prescription sunglasses. Some restrictions may apply. Not to be combined with any other offer. Clifford Optical 38-19 BELL BOULEVARD, BAYSIDE OFFERING THE LOWEST PRICES ON CONTACT LENSES
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