Each year, about 10,000 seniors die from injuries sustained in a fall. Additionally, one in three Americans over age 65 years experiences a fall each year. As an individual ages, the body experiences changes in vision, balance, bone density and muscle mass. In addition, older adults are more likely to take prescription medication, which can cause side effects such as blurred vision or loss of balance.

One-third of falls in older adults are a result of tripping over hazards in the home. Safety measures to prevent falls include:

Hallways and Walkways:

The precise conditions of a medical emergency cannot be predicted, but ensuring that medical providers have accurate information can be absolutely crucial. Registering with an online medical registry such as with American Medical ID can prevent potentially life-threatening decisions and enable speedy treatment.
Drug interactions can be fatal, especially in an emergency situation where other factors may already pose a risk to the patient. An individual in a crisis situation might be unable to self-report drugs and treatment due to unconsciousness or distress. Medical ID jewelry can help pinpoint patients registered with significant medical conditions or allergies to certain medications. For example, an online registry can inform health care providers that a patient has a pacemaker or a particular illness, such as diabetes.

Where are you most likely to pick up the cold, flu or something more serious, like meningitis? At the office. Highly contagious viruses and infections like these are passed around by bacteria that have been left behind by a sick person or someone who doesn’t yet realize that he is getting sick. From investing in a medical ID bracelet to avoiding certain office areas, you can take steps to stay healthy at work.

Keep your hands clean

Bacteria left on common areas in the office can live through the entire day and infect everyone who comes in contact. Here are some areas often ripe with germs:

Take these diet and exercise tips to heart to watch your cholesterol levels drop.

Has your doctor mentioned lowering your cholesterol? Whether it’s something you’ve been struggling with for a while or if you’ve been recently diagnosed with high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), this quick list can help you lower your levels through diet and exercise. Cholesterol can be a huge problem, especially if you have a family history or are prone to heart disease, clotting or a number of other conditions. Lowering your cholesterol can leave you happier and most of all, healthier.

What is the #1 safety precaution if you are taking a blood thinner? A medical identification bracelet. It’s a simple, but effective intervention that all patients should consider.

If you are currently taking a blood thinner, your doctor has probably recommended it to help prevent a stroke or heart attack. Common blood thinners include: Coumidin, Plavix and Warafin, although blood thinners are marketed under a variety of different pharmaceutical names. In general, they are all considered anticoagulants because they can prevent clotting in the arteries and the veins. They are important and life saving medications.

Exercise is an important part of staying healthy, and you should also try finding a place to work out outdoors periodically. Not only is the fresh air great for your body, but the change of scenery might motivate you to keep a regular workout schedule. Exercising regularly has great health benefits, but you should also know how to stay safe when exercising outdoors as well. That’s where medical ID jewelry and other precautions can help!

The health benefits of regular exercise

Two new studies on individuals with diabetes have found a potentially troubling link between sleep quality and insulin resistance. The results of both studies suggest that diabetics with poor sleep are more likely to have higher insulin resistance and more trouble controlling their condition.
The lead author of the first study, Kristen Knutson, said, “Poor sleep quality in people with diabetes was associated with worse control of their blood glucose levels.” Diabetics that have problems controlling glucose levels are known to have a higher risk of complications, which leads to a reduced quality of life. These individuals are also shown to have a lower life expectancy than diabetics that have well-controlled blood glucose levels.

Focusing on something for an extended period of time may be difficult for you. If you are experiencing a lack of concentration and are feeling overwhelmed by distractions, you may be able to improve your focus following these simple tips:

• The world can wait

Your laptop glares at you across the desk while your phone dings with a new text. The Facebook feed updates so fast that you can’t take your eye off the screen or you’ll miss a brand new status. All these priorities never give you a rest, and your brain is constantly urging you to take one. Technology is changing the world for the better, but it also could be stressing you out without you realizing it. Close your laptop or turn your phone on silent for a while. Take a breather. Even a quick walk can help you refocus.

What you eat strongly influences your health and longevity.  Since much of our food is packaged, it’s important to read nutritional labels to get the healthiest food for you and your family.  Sometimes, though, reading food labels can be a bit confusing.  Here are a few tips to help make you more food label savvy when shopping for the week’s groceries.

Start by looking at the label located on the side or bottom of a food item. The nutritional facts featured are typically:

With much of your life spent at work, it’s not uncommon for adults to feel constantly overwhelmed by to-do lists, appointments and just the speed of life in general. High stress levels are dangerous, so although you may think you’re doing a good job keeping your head above water, you could actually be opening a floodgate for future health concerns. It’s never too late to start managing your stress at work.

1.  Take a walk in the morning.