Section 1.1: The Challenge of Medical Literature

Have you ever attempted to read academic journals or medical texts? I would argue they are not very engaging for the average reader. Often, they are so dry that one might struggle to get past the opening line unless driven by a quest for answers to a troubling health issue.

Subsection 1.1.1: A Cautionary Tale

A case that comes to mind involves a patient who experienced a mild headache and subsequently researched her symptoms online. The following day, she arrived at the emergency room, describing symptoms typical of a Subarachnoid hemorrhage. Her anxiety was palpable, greater than what one might expect from the headache itself. The information she found online only heightened her fears.

Section 1.2: The Internet's Influence

This experience led me to reflect on the effects of online health resources and whether we could create a more accessible and supportive format to educate individuals about improving their health.

Connecting through Stories

I aspire to contribute meaningfully to the wealth of health-related information available. By sharing the stories I encounter daily, we can deepen our understanding of health collectively. I invite you to subscribe to this publication to stay informed about future insights.

A Moment of Vulnerability

I must confess that I feel somewhat apprehensive about embarking on this writing endeavor. The hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities can often overshadow the significance of reflection and sharing valuable lessons. Nevertheless, your engagement will motivate me to continue producing content focused on health and wellness.

Another source of my anxiety stems from my uncertainty about crafting stories in a manner that resonates with you. I appreciate your patience as I navigate this process—these reflections are a personal journey.

Important Note

Rest assured, no confidential information will be shared; my focus will remain on meaningful insights. Any names or demographic details mentioned are purely coincidental. The aim of this writing is educational, so let's begin our journey of learning and growing together.

Mood and Motivation

About a month ago, I began piecing together this draft. I initially explored writing on Substack but ultimately chose to join Medium. I must admit, I thoroughly enjoy it here.

Deciding Which Stories to Share

I have numerous narratives to choose from. When I sit beside a patient in the hospital, listening to their reasons for seeking medical help, I hear their stories—some heart-wrenching, some hard to believe, and others filled with valuable lessons.

The title "Finding My Feet" stems from a collection of recurrent stories related to aging. On one occasion, I encountered multiple patients over the age of 70 in ambulances outside the emergency department, each with tales of falls and subsequent injuries. While these incidents may seem localized, they highlight a significant concern.

A startling moment occurred when a young paramedic asked for assistance with an ECG for a patient experiencing chest pain. The urgency of the situation was evident, and I quickly assessed the heart tracing.

Another case involved a middle-aged woman awaiting an X-ray while lying face down, her left arm bandaged and blood-soaked from multiple injuries caused by swallowing various objects. This troubling scenario serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of health.

The Reality of Health Challenges

I've come to accept that illness and death are inevitable aspects of life. The unpredictability of health can be daunting, influenced by various factors such as social issues, financial burdens, and even our inner dialogues that may lead to self-harm. The plight of those battling addiction, who knowingly risk their lives, is equally alarming.

Out of the Three Stories: Falls, Heart Attacks, Self-Harm

Reflecting on my experiences, I feel akin to a junior doctor still finding my footing, much like an elderly person at risk of falling. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of "Finding My Feet."

Lessons from Mary’s Experience

Mary's narrative remains etched in my mind. Despite her advanced dementia, her message was clear: the absence of light in the restroom led to her falling. This crucial insight underlines the importance of proper lighting in preventing accidents.

Understanding Falls

A fall is defined as an event where a person unintentionally lands on the ground or a lower surface, not caused by a major intrinsic event. Falls are particularly prevalent among the elderly, often resulting in soft tissue injuries, fractures, and a decline in quality of life. Statistics indicate that one in three individuals over 65 will experience a fall annually.

Why Discuss Falls?

Falls can significantly diminish an elderly person's quality of life, yet many of them are preventable. Various factors contribute to falls in the elderly, including physical changes due to aging, environmental hazards, and medication effects.

Preventative Measures

Mitigating falls among the elderly is essential for preserving their independence. Here are some strategies to enhance safety at home:

• Remove Tripping Hazards: Clear away clutter and objects on the floor that pose risks.
• Improve Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in key areas, especially hallways and bathrooms.
• Install Grab Bars and Handrails: Provide support in critical areas like bathrooms and staircases.
• Use Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats in wet areas to prevent slipping.
• Encourage Proper Footwear: Promote the use of supportive shoes with non-slip soles.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in activities to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility.
• Medication Management: Ensure medications are taken as prescribed, watching for side effects.
• Vision Check-ups: Regularly monitor vision changes that could increase fall risks.
• Home Modifications: Consider safety upgrades, such as stair lifts.
• Fall Detection Systems: Implement technology that alerts emergency services in case of a fall.

It's crucial to adopt a multifaceted approach to prevent falls rather than relying on a single method.

Taking Preventive Advice Seriously

Anyone caring for an elderly person should evaluate their environment for potential fall hazards. Upon identifying risks, take action to eliminate or modify them.

In Conclusion

We must never allow the possibility of falls among the elderly to exist. I hope you found my reflections as enjoyable to read as I did to write. My goal remains to explore recurring health issues and present them in a manner that benefits us all.

I look forward to your feedback and encourage you to subscribe for updates on future editions.

Stay Healthy and Take Care!