Who goes turkey hunting at age 94? Our former president Jimmy Carter, that’s who. Unfortunately, while preparing to set off on a hunt last week, Carter took a fall and broke his hip.

The oldest living U.S. president is an amazingly active man. But the fact is that the risk of falling increases as people age, even if they’re generally in good health like President Carter. That’s why Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists in Montgomery County offer a complete fall risk assessment to all of our patients.

What happens during a fall risk assessment?

Our caring staff will ask you questions and gather information such as:

• Your history of falling – if you’ve fallen before, you’re at higher risk of falling again.
• Your eyesight – poor vision contributes to falls.
• What medications you take and whether or not they can affect your balance.
• Your cognitive history – anyone with thinking or judgment problems can easily become disoriented and lose their balance.
• Your living situation – where you live, if you live alone, is there sufficient lighting, etc.
• Your overall health – whether you have diabetes, need to move quickly to get to the bathroom, are getting adequate nutrition to support healthy bones, or have a history of foot pain.

We then work with you to make any necessary changes to improve your chances of avoiding a fall.

President Carter’s been released from the hospital with a brand new hip. He seems to be doing great. Others who fall are not so fortunate. Falling and breaking a hip can mean thousands of dollars in hospitalization expenses, time spent in a nursing home, and loss of independence. Minimize your risk of falling by calling (334) 396-3668. Ask for a fall risk assessment which we perform right here at our office in Montgomery, Alabama. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online.