2006 Press Releases
“Live It Safe – Prevent Broken Hips” the focus of Rome Memorial Hospital’s Live & Learn program ROME – “Live It Safe – Prevent Broken Hips” will be the January topic of Rome Memorial Hospital’s monthly Senior Live & Learn program, a free educational outreach program designed for seniors. The program will be presented on Thursday, January 12th at 12:30 p.m. at the Ava Dorfman Senior Citizens Civic Center, Locust Street, Rome. Rome Memorial Hospital’s Director of Education, Gale Barone, RN, BS, will present the program to the public, giving an overview on how to prevent falls that result in hip fractures and what treatments are available should a hip fracture occur. “Most hip fractures occur as a result of a fall and most falls and injuries occur in the home,” said Barone, adding that most fractured hips occur in the elderly. “There are also many hip fractures that occur during these winter months in Upstate New York when sidewalks and walkways are often icy and slippery. Many falls are preventable by recognizing the dangers and taking the necessary steps to minimize the risks of preventable falls from known hazards,” she added. According to Barone, although modern orthopaedic care and surgical technology assist satisfactory bone healing, most hip fracture patients require extended periods of rehabilitation. “Most hip fracture patients who previously lived independently will require assistance from their family or home care,” she said. “Forty percent of hip fracture patients 65 and older are discharged or transferred from hospitals to long-term care facilities. All hip fracture patients require walking aids for several months after injury, and nearly half will permanently require canes or walkers to move around their house or outdoors,” she added. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, hip fractures are the most common broken bone that requires hospitalization in the United States. About 300,000 Americans are hospitalized for a hip fracture every year, or more than 850 fractures a day. Most hip fractures occur in older women. White, post-menopausal women have a 1 in 7 chance of sustaining a hip fracture during their lifetime. Pre-registration is not required to attend the program. | 
