The Dangers of Taking 4 or More Meds

Taking Four or More Medication Can Increase the Risk of Falling

Do you currently take 4 or more medications? If, so you could be at risk of falling. The Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy ran a study of 384 participants with a mean age of 73 and got them to walk along a special walkway that watched their gait (walking pattern).

They looked at the gait patterns and how many medications the participants were on. The study found that participants that were taking 4 or more medications, had changes in the pace and rhythm of how they walked. These participants had shorter step lengths and stood on both feet longer (when you walk you swing your leg through a phase normally) and all of these findings can correlate with fall risk.

If you feel like you are becoming more unbalanced due to medications, pain, or even being more sedentary in the winter we added a list of options to try to help your balance!

Increased Falls:

If you are severely falling into objects, have had more than 2 falls in the past month, or others are concerned for your safety, it may be a good idea to look at an assistive device (walker, cane)

Talk to your Doctor:

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and possible side effects

Building Strength:

If you feel like you are weaker and you need more strengthening check out these exercises Apex has given at our free balance screenings! Or better yet, call one of our locations and set up a time to get checked!

Increased pain:

If have pain and are limping, you may benefit from a physical therapy consult.

Try physical therapy!

Physical therapists are the movement experts. At Apex, we all hold our doctoral degrees and specialize in getting people moving safely and with less pain.

Written by:

Allison Buske, DPT, PT, CBISALLISON BUSKE, PT, DPT, CBIS
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Brain Injury Specialist

How to approach sex after menopause

Sex After Menopause

Understand the importance of pelvic health and potential solutions for managing these challenges.
7 things I learned about being a new mom

7 Things I’ve Learned Since Having a Baby

What I learned; 7 aspects of motherhood and baby care learned by a mother of two shared through personal experiences and working with infants in CranioSacral Therapy.
How Massage can help survivors of a MVA

Massage After a MVA

Massage can be very beneficial after a Motor Vehicle Accident.
How to restore your core after baby 3

Restoring Your Core After Baby!

Step by step method to check for Diastasis Recti and the importance of restoring your core after childbirth.
Have a DPT on your team

DPT Advocacy

The benefits of adding a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) to your healthcare team.
© Copyright - Apex Wellness and Physical Therapy | website by Nufire Marketing in Minneapolis!