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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate NEWS NOW Our View: Ds, Rs go after the new kid on the block ... It's legal now: Hundreds flock to free pot giveaways ... Ten things you should know about Oregon's new pot law ... Our View: Ds, Rs go after the new kid on the block ... It's legal now: Hundreds flock to free pot giveaways ... Ten things you should know about Oregon's new pot law ... Dr. Murray Feingold: Take precautions to prevent home accidents Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Oct. 10, 2014 at 7:32 AM Posted Oct. 10, 2014 at 7:32 AM » Social News By Dr. Murray Feingold More Content Now Open-heart surgery and organ transplants have a great deal more pizzazz and get much more media attention than the prevention of home accidents. However, because such accidents are the cause of millions of injuries, more attention needs to be given to them. All ages are involved in home accidents, but the incidence is greater in the elderly. A recent study was done to determine if preventative measures could reduce the number of fall-related injuries. Two groups of individuals were studied. Approximately 60 percent were younger than age 60. The homes of one group underwent various modifications to help prevent fall-related accidents. The homes of the other group did not undergo such modifications. The groups were then followed for an average of three years, and the percentage of fall-related injuries of both groups was determined. Home modifications included installing outdoor and indoor handrails, improving outside lighting, fixing carpet edges to the floor, installing bathroom grab rails and non-slip bath mats and adding slip-resistant surfaces to outdoor areas and steps. The average cost of these modifications was $450. Results showed that individuals who lived in homes that underwent modifications had 26 percent fewer fall-related injuries and 39 percent fewer overall injuries that were prevented because of the modifications. Homeowners can take other precautions that are not very costly such as using higher wattage light bulbs in the home, especially the bedroom. They should inspect the home looking for objects on the floor and elsewhere that can result in causing a fall. Proper shoes should be worn because loose-fitting shoes, such as sandals, are associated with falls. Poor eyesight, especially in older individuals, is also associated with an increased rate of home accidents. Yearly eye examinations can detect vision loss and the need for glasses. Yes, reattaching a limb garners a great deal more media attention and is more interesting to read about than making certain carpet edges are firmly attached to the floor so you don’t trip on the rug. Massachusetts-based Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of The Feingold Center for Children, medical editor of WBZ-TV and WBZ radio, and president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Oct. 10, 2014 at 7:32 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501