Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
Yes, another change of seasons. How are you fairing the change?
With about three months left in the year, do we start thinking about what we have accomplished, or what we want to accomplish before year end?
Are you one of those “crazy” people that start and finish their Christmas shopping before November? LOL, I envy you if you can do that.
For me, it’s a great time to reflect on what has happened and how fast it has happened. ☹
Time just seems to fly by for no reason. I review my health and see what is and is not working.
One thing for me is I totally miss pulmonary rehab. It has been able to keep me stronger both mentally and physically. COVID-19 can’t leave fast enough for me. I haven’t been able to travel out of state and I can forget about flying for right now.
But keeping up our body strength while on this journey is especially important.
As we get older and continue to move forward on our journeys, I think it’s important to make sure we are keeping up our strength as best we can.
During the fall season statistics say that the chance of falling becomes the highest all year for the next three to four months.
So, let’s enjoy the fall and all its beauty but let’s do our best to stay away from falling.
Today is a good day to take stock of your health and any falling hazards you have in your environment. I have also included some common reasons for falls this time of year, and good advice from top health organizations on ways you can take a proactive approach to prevention.
#1 reason: Decline in Physical Activity. Even mild exercise can help with balance, coordination, and flexibility. And being low on your oxygen saturation can create some dizziness. Another reason to stay strong.
#2 reason: Impaired vision. Being deprived of adequate oxygen can also add to this. Important to make sure we keep our eye appointments.
#3 reason: Medications. We’ve talked about this. Knowing what you are taking and why. Ask questions. Be aware of the side effects. If it becomes difficult to manage side effects definitely consult with your doctor. Also, remember that your oxygen therapy is a prescription. Talk to your doctor about your prescription and ensure you are using the right device to ensure your oxygen saturation.
#4 reason: Chronic Diseases, of course. But being aware of your diseases and doing your part is the most important thing.
#5 reason: Surgical procedures, obviously. Speaks for itself.
#6 reason: Environmental Hazards. Engage in the right activities not the dangerous ones, LOL! Loose carpets, slick floors, and be aware of the environment you are in or going to.
#7 reason: Behavioral Hazards. Doing laundry requires quite a bit of exertion. Make sure it’s a good day! If not, it can wait until tomorrow. Wear non-skid footwear when attempting stairs or escalators. This is an extremely dangerous and a contributing factor when it comes to falling injuries.
This is of course more prevalent with those fighting a chronic disease, but it also pertains to all people. There are more falls and accidents due to falling in the last three months into the following year. Mainly because we tend to be in a hurry. Not paying attention to the new weather changes, or new stress as we approach the holidays, etc.
Make sure you guys on oxygen therapy have your favorite CAIRE oxygen concentrator working properly and charged.
Why talk about fall and falling?
Falls are a leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults 65 and older, and the age-adjusted fall rate continues to rise. The age-adjusted fall rate is 64 deaths per 100,000 older adults. Think about that. Not a disease, not the flu, but falling. This is a statistic that comes from the famous Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – an organization we listen to every day as we monitor COVID-19 right now.
The good thing is, we can do something about avoiding the falls. If we just take care of ourselves and are conscience of what can cause this terrible hazard.
I must be reminded that I’m not able to do all the things I’d like as fast any more. Be careful my friends and check out some additional resources I follow to stay safe.
National Council on Aging ~ Falls Prevention: Keeping older adults safe and active Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ~ Resources and Tips to Prevent Falls for Older Adults Cleveland Clinic ~ Fall Prevention By Jim Ives, OTR/L, ATPEnjoy the fall without falling!
Have an awesome season.
Till next time.
Love you all!
#touchaheart
#laugheveryday
#breathe-easy
#DONTFALL
Hugs,
Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 16-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and a transportable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.