Staying Healthy in the New Year

With just a week until New Year, the season for respiratory infections is upon us and increasing, especially in New York City. Flu is leading in the #1 spot, with a new strain that is more resistant to Tamiflu. COVID is close behind, also dominate d by a new strain accounting for 30% of hospitalized patients. It seems more transmissible but not more severe, whi ch means Paxlovid still helps. Finally, the worst virus to get this season is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), whi ch is highly transmissible, and for which we have only symptomatic treatment. Remember that masking, handwashi ng, and vaccinations remain the most effective ways to protect yourself from these illnesses.

On another note: falling is a huge risk for those over 65, as hip, spine and other bone fractures are significant causes for l oss of independence. Falling is not inevitable, and most can learn strategies to prevent it. A fracture leads to hos pitalization and surgery, which incurs immobility. Rehabilitation takes time, and this period of immobility leads to furt her muscle weakness, which is why loss of walking capacity is a common aftermath. 41% of falls are not caused by a trip, but rather core muscle weakness and instability when getting up or moving.

Some common myths to disband:

1. “If I do less, I am safer”: wrong. The more activity you do, the stronger your body is.
2. “Using a cane or walker means I am dependent on others”: wrong. These tools help to maintain stability and mobility, which equals greater independence!
3. “My vision doesn’t affect my mobility”: wrong. Check your vision at least annually! Vision limitations
increase fall risks twice as much.
4. “Heart attacks or strokes are much worse”: wrong. Falling is as great a health issue as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, COPD, etc. More people develop fragility after a fall, than suffer from heart attack, stroke, or cancer.