On 11/14/2023 WSJ ran an article by Jen Murphy titled Learning How to Fall Safely with Help From Martial Arts. Research indicates that by far the heavy half of those of us on Peritoneal Dialysis are over 66 putting us at risk for falls because of age if nothing else. Consider the following:
- Increased Vulnerability: Patients on peritoneal dialysis often experience health conditions that can compromise their balance, coordination, and muscle strength. These factors contribute to an increased vulnerability to falls.
- Bone Health Concerns: Chronic kidney disease, which necessitates peritoneal dialysis, can lead to weakened bones, making individuals more susceptible to fractures and injuries in the event of a fall. Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone density, is prevalent among dialysis patients. The reader may recall that I suffer from Osteoporosis as measured by a recent bone density test and a frequent visitor from NC does also.
Given that a case be made for doing something about falling, what can we do is the thrust of this blog. Seems that research suggests the main tenant of judo and like sports is learning how to fall without hurting oneself as falling is central to the activity. The WSJ article states “Globally, one-third of people 65 and older fall at least once a year, with 5% of these falls resulting in a fracture… Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among Americans 65 and older….The fear of falling can significantly affect the quality of life…”
I’ll leave it up to the reader to take it from here. What I’m advocating is that maybe, just maybe, learning how to fall, however, you accomplish it, is a good idea. This is especially so for those of us on dialysis, regardless of our age. The video below explains the concept in more detail:
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