Citizens Corp Emergency Response CommitteeSeptember Message
Green Valley Fire District (GVFD):
September is Fall Prevention Month
One Fall (Autumn) is inevitable every year, but the second type of fall does not have to be inevitable. Consequences of the second type of fall for any age group can be severe, even life changing. Seniors, however, are particularly vulnerable to falls. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury for people over the age of 65 and are a contributing factor for accidental death in this age group. It is reported that 1/3 of people over 65 fall yearly. Within this group, 50% of these falls represent recurrent events.
When we think of falls, we commonly associate fractures as the main injury sustained from a fall. This may be true for a younger person who fractures an arm, for example. However, in the 65 and older age group, falls can lead to permanent disability, depression, social isolation, and a big hit to financial stability.
Why are Senior Citizens more vulnerable to falls? Walking and staying vertical in simple terms involve a brain that is inputting and responding to environmental stimuli (oops there’s a curb ahead) a neurologic network that communicates to your muscles (hey thigh muscles and calves stop walking), and muscles that can respond to the command to stop walking. The individual in this instance must be able to see the curb, hear the traffic, interpret it as dangerous, and accomplish the task of pausing at the curb. This integrated response is coordinated in a complex way. Let’s consider the different vulnerabilities for a fall:
- Cognition and Concentration: Impairment of these abilities are often due to neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injury, tumors, dementia, and fluid buildup in the brain known as hydrocephalus. Depression and other psychological diagnoses can also affect cognition. Environmental factors such as extreme heat, excessive cold, or lack of oxygen can affect cognition. Loss of vision and hearing can prevent the brain from recognizing appropriate stimuli, and this loss of cognition can contribute to falls.
- Neurological Diseases: These diseases can affect gait and posture. Examples are Parkinson’s disease, Epilepsy, or any seizure disorder.
- Musculoskeletal Diseases: These diseases can interfere with muscle strength and response. Examples are any condition that affects joints and any condition that causes chronic pain, resulting in impaired gait and posture.
- Sensory loss: These losses include vision loss, hearing loss, and loss of proprioception (unconscious ability to sense movement, action, or the position/location of your body). An example of a common medical condition that can cause sensory loss in the feet is diabetes. Deformities that cause pain, such as bunions, can also affect gait.
What are environmental factors associated with falling? Environmental assessments for fall prevention in the home stress maximizing safety, which includes preventing falls. As the homeowner’s needs change, changes to the physical environment can make a difference in allowing the resident to continue to live safely at home. It is noted that approximately 28 % of all falls occur at home. An additional 25% of falls occur on curbs and sidewalks just outside of the home.
The most common contributing factors for falls include:
- Slippery surfaces: Showers, bathroom floors when wet, kitchen.
- Throw rugs, non-tacked down carpet, worn out rugs, uneven flooring.
- Clutter is a big contributor to tripping and falling. Walkways inside the home as well as outdoor walkways leading to home entrances should be clutter-free.
- Electrical cords should not be crossing the floor and should be secured.
- Stairs: Safety assessments for stairs include the stability and sturdiness of the actual steps, the presence of railings that are firmly in place, and good lighting for the entire length of the stairway.
- Reaching for things that are not within reach. Avoid standing on an unstable surface such as a folding chair. A step stool should have a safety bar and a wide base.
- Evaluate all the rooms in the house for safety: Are there lamps within reach at bedside? Is there a night light? Is there a flashlight?
- Bathroom: Nonslip strips in the tub, grab bars for tub, shower, and for getting off the toilet. High toilet seats can ease the ability to rise from the toilet seat.
- Be willing to rethink the layout for the home: For example, if the bedroom is upstairs, perhaps it is time to move into a downstairs room. Be willing to rearrange furniture so that tripping or bumping into furniture is not a risk.
- Know where your pets are when you are changing positions and walking within the home to avoid tripping over your pet.
- Address sensory deficits such as decreased hearing or vision. Have a hearing test and use your hearing aid. Keep your glasses prescription up to date.
- Pay attention to footwear: Shoes should fit properly. Consider Velcro rather than shoelaces
As part of the GVFD monthly safety article, we gladly mention that a Fall Prevention program is available for those who live in the Green Valley community. Valley Assistance Services offers a program called Safety Health in Motion or SHIM. The GVFD is a community partner that provides volunteers to assist with this program. It is truly our mission to reduce the number of falls.
If a member of our community has fallen at home and the house is locked up, that presents an access issue to allow GVFD responders to get to the injured person. GVFD offers a solution to this problem by offering residential lock boxes that are installed at the home. This program allows the Green Valley Fire District members to access the home in case of any emergency when the homeowner can’t open the door for help to come in.
In closing, remember these basic elements to keep you from falling: “V.E.R.N.”
Vision: Have your eyes checked regularly. Exercise: Have a regular exercise program based on your own abilities. Review: Review your daily medications with your doctor as it refers reducing falls. Now: It’s time to ensure your safety. Remove clutter and trip hazards.
Green Valley Council | 555 N. La Canada, Ste. 117 Green Valley, AZ 85614 | 520-648-1936 | info@gvcouncil.org | www.gvcouncil.orgLike us on Facebook !
July Newsletter
Citizens Corp Emergency Response CommitteeJuly MessagePima County Sheriff’s Department:
Summertime Burglary Prevention Tips
We all know that many Green Valley residents leave for the summer months and their vacant homes can be an easy target for burglars. Here are some tips to keep your neighborhood safe from burglaries this summer.
- Report all suspicious persons and/or vehicles in your neighborhood to 911 immediately. Detailed descriptions and quick reporting allow deputies to locate the suspicious activity sooner and determine if there is a legitimate reason that theses people are in the neighborhood. This is the most effective method to keep your neighborhood safe from burglaries and all criminal activity.
- Pickup any advertising flyers, newspapers, or packages left at your neighbor’s homes that are out of town. Seeing these types of items in front of a home can be a sign that the home is unoccupied and makes it an easier target for burglars.
- Have contact phone numbers for out-of-town neighbors so information on who is supposed to be at the residence can be confirmed if necessary.
Green Valley Fire District (GVFD):Summer Safety: Extreme Heat, Sunburn, Pets, Grilling, and Fireworks Safety
As you may have noticed, the HOT temperatures have arrived. We have experienced temperatures above 110 degrees already. This is extreme heat, and we should take precautions. Populations at risk during a period of excessive heat include children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people with disabilities. It is estimated that approximately 700 people a year die of heat related events. Safety during periods of extreme heat focuses on hydration and education regarding heat exhaustion/heat stroke.
Heat ExhaustionHeat exhaustion refers to loss of water and salt in our bodies. Typically, this is from sweating and hydration is not keeping up with the loss.
Heat StrokeHeat stroke is a medical emergency. Heat stroke means the body is not able to control its internal temperature. Heat stroke can and does lead to death if not treated.
Basic behavior that can prevent heat related medical emergencies include:Hydration with water preferably. Sugary drinks should be avoided. Remain out of heat and cool your indoor area with air conditioning. Clothing should be loose fitting and light weight. Avoid exercising outdoors during periods of excessive heat.
Signs of Heat Stroke include:Red, hot, and dry skin, fever, inability to sweat, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, dizziness, and confusion. Faintness, seizures, and coma can occur. If these heat related symptoms are suspected, call 911 immediately. A few words about leaving children, the elderly, the disabled, our pets in the car during extreme heat periods. Certainly, the tragic stories of death to our vulnerable people and pets caused by heat stroke from being left in a car have been heard repeatedly on the news. Temperatures inside a locked car can become unsafe within minutes. Please don’t be tempted to “run in for just a minute.”
Sunburn Sunburn is described as a burn to the skin due to exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR). The more sunburns an individual has had, the higher the risk for that person of skin cancer. A sunburn can occur from expected exposure, such as intentionally lying in the sun to acquire a tan, or from unintentional exposure. Unintentional exposure can occur from any outdoor activity.In addition to skin cancer, UVR exposure is associated with cataracts, premature skin aging (wrinkling) and immunosuppression.
Protect yourself in the sun
- Use sunscreen with a label of broad-spectrum protection.
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measurement of how long the sunscreen you use will protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It is recommended to use a SPF of 30 or higher. Note anything less than a SPF of 15 does not protect from skin cancer.
- Dogs can get sunburned as well. When outdoors with your pet look for shade. Do not shave your pet’s hair. The dog’s coat is layered to provide cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter. Shaving a dog damages the dog’s ability to prevent overheating and sunburn.
- UV Index: This index is a scale from 0-11 of the risk from UV radiation on any given day, in any zip code in the US. It is available from the National Weather Service.
Hot asphalt on pavements and streets can burn a dog’s paws. Feel the pavement when you go outside. If it’s hot for you, it’s hot for your dog. Blisters from burns require veterinary evaluation. Tar can melt into the paws and requires removal by a veterinarian.The discussion of effects of sunlight cannot end without an acknowledgement of the great benefit of the sunlight. Sunlight warms us, provides energy, and provides light. Sunlight also provides Vitamin D. Balancing the benefits of sunlight with the potential harm to health can be accomplished.
Barbecue SafetyOutdoor grilling is a summer favorite. Over half of all American households own a gas grill. Injuries related to outdoor grilling, chiefly from burns due to a grill fire, are highest in July. In terms of numbers, the annual average of home fires due to grills is approximately 10,000.Barbecue safety involves preventing fires The right way to care for a grill will go a long way in preventing fires. Safety also requires an awareness how to be prepared and of what to do in the event of fire.Prevention starts with where to position the grill. Barbecue grills that use charcoal or propane are intended exclusively for outdoor use. It is recommended to position the grill at least 10 ft from the house. A grill flare can extend into patio, alcove, or deck structures then spread into the house. Flammable objects such as decorations, should be removed.Be mindful of children and pets. Keep them at a three-foot distance from the grill.Check the grill for gas leaks by preparing a mixture of half water and half liquid dish soap. Rub the mixture on the hose and connector. Turn the grill on with lid open. If large bubbles are noted this is a sign that the hose or connector has damage.Have a fire extinguisher handy. Familiarity of the proper way to use the fire extinguisher should be reviewed at the beginning of the barbecue season. If for any reason the fire extinguisher cannot be made to work when fire erupts, call 911 immediately. Delays in putting out a fire early due to struggling with the fire extinguisher instead of calling 911 can increased severity of fire damage and injury.
Green Valley Council | 555 N. La Canada, Ste. 117 Green Valley, AZ 85614 | 520-648-1936 | info@gvcouncil.org | www.gvcouncil.org