Fixing a $150 billion healthcare crisis
Since 1999, we have reduced deaths from heart disease 15%. Deaths caused by auto accidents are down 12%. But deaths from falls have increased over 150%. Both injuries and deaths caused by falls are at record highs and the problem continues to grow. We’ve learned how to fix the human heart and we have made driving safer. Now is the time to focus on preventing fall injuries.
Falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits in the US, with over 9 million injuries in 2014. Stop the Slip shows how you can prevent these injuries. Thom Disch combines personal, real life stories with an in-depth look at this problem. Everyone falls, but falls don’t just happen, they’re preceded by other events. When you eliminate those events, you reduce the risk of falling. Following the simple five step A-L-E-R-T System™ will reduce your risk of falling.
As you read this book you’ll also discover many interesting and surprising facts. For example: Falls kill 7 times more people than the flu. Winter weather appears to be a much smaller cause of fall deaths than you might expect. Falls cause nearly 4 times more emergency room visits than auto accidents.
There is undeniable proof that falls are preventable. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to learn how you can reduce the risk of a fall injury.
Table of Content
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why You Should Read This Book…………………………………………………………11
Anne and John…………………………………………………………………..17
SECTION ONE - Why We Fall…………………………21
Why Slips, Trips, and Falls Aren’t Taken Seriously………………29
Slips, Trips, and Falls: The Inside Story………………………………47
Age and Falls…………………………………………………………………….59
Medications, Alcohol, and Recreational Drugs…………………….91
Pets…………………………………………………………..97
Distracted Walking…………………………………………………………..101
Other Causes of Falls……………………………………………………..105
SECTION TWO - Where We Fall………………………………109
Stairs and Handrails………………………………………………………117
Ladders and Step Stools………………………………………………..123
Poor Lighting and Reduced Vision………………………………….131
Uneven Sidewalks, Paths, and Walkways……………………….147
Ramps and Other Inclined Walkways……………………………..151
SECTION THREE - The Business Side of Slips, Trips, and Falls……….153
The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls……………………………………161
Falls at Work………………………………………………………………….165
Types of Work Environments………………………………………….169
Insurance………………………………………………………………177
Lawsuits and Litigation………………………………………………….185
SECTION FOUR - Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls………………197
The ALERT System™ for Reducing Fall Injuries and Deaths…………..205
- Aware…………………………………………………………………………….207
- Learn…………………………………………………………………………….208
- Early……………………………………………………………………………..209
- React……………………………………………………………………………..212
- Train……………………………………………………………………………..214
Home Audit Checklist…………………………………………………….219
Business Audit Checklist………………………………………………..223
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………….225
About the Author…………………………………………………………………….227
About the author
A leading expert and speaker on slip, trip, and fall injuries in the United States, Thom Disch has been compiling statistics and stories related to this healthcare crisis for ten years. He is a serial entrepreneur and owns several companies and nationally known brands, including Handi-Ramp (Handiramp.com), Pet STEP International (Petstep.com), and Industrial Toolz, Inc. (Industrialtoolz.com).Thom has developed dozens of products for the specific purpose of reducing and preventing slips, trips and falls. These products have won awards for innovation and many of his designs are patented by the US Patent and Trademark Office. He has sold millions of dollars of fall prevention products and solutions to homeowners, businesses and governmental offices. For more information about these slip, trip and fall prevention products visit www.stoptheslip.com/products.
Thom holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Oakland University and a master’s degree in management from Northwestern University.