The Lowdown on Falls

Physical therapist Joe Palmer, PT, DPT, OMPT,
CSCS, CMTPT, of Active Life and Sports
presenting on dizziness, imbalance and falls
at GBMC's Time for Me event

If you’re approaching retirement age, listen up! You may be at a higher risk for falling and injuring yourself. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that people lose strength and flexibility as they age. Activity levels tend to decline and other health issues may affect people’s balance or depth perception. You may not feel much different than you did at 40 or 50, but there are a few precautions you should begin taking in order to keep yourself healthy and safe. Here are some easy things you can do now to prevent a fall with injury:

• Keep clutter at bay – things like shoes, power cords and small rugs are easy to trip over if you’re not paying attention
• Make sure your home is well-lit
• Ensure that staircases have secure railings and non-slip treads
• Talk to your primary care physician or pharmacist about medications you’re taking, how the drugs interact with each other and side effects they may cause
• Get your vision checked regularly
• Consider installing “grab bars” in the restroom and applying non-slip strips to the bottom of your shower/tub
• Exercise! Any type of activity is helpful, but weight-bearing exercises are known to boost bone and muscle strength
• Speak with your physician about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to support bone health
• Be cautious with alcohol consumption and use of over-the-counter medications
• Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit properly
• Can’t reach something you need? Call a family member, friend or neighbor to help you. It’s not an inconvenience – your loved ones don’t want you to get hurt!

If you’ve fallen more than twice in the past year or are fearful of falling, please consult with your primary care physician for more fall prevention strategies specific to your needs. Don’t have a primary care physician? Visit www.mygbmcdoctor.com to find one who is right for you. GBMC recently hosted a health lecture in conjunction with physical therapists at Active Life and Sports on the subject of dizziness, imbalance and falls. Watch the presentation now!

America’s Most Amazing Nurse Is in Our Hospital!

Laura Clary, manager of GBMC's Sexual
Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) &
Domestic Violence Program, with members
of her team following her award celebration

It’s official! Laura Clary, BSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A, CFN, CPEN, manager of GBMC’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) & Domestic Violence Program, is the Prevention magazine and The Doctors "America's Most Amazing Nurse" winner! 

The news was announced during a festive event in GBMC’s Yaggy OB Atrium on Friday, May 12. Prevention magazine and The Doctors TV show joined efforts in November to search the country for America’s Most Amazing Nurse. Each entrant or nominee had to have an active RN license or advanced nursing credential and must have been working in the nursing field at the time of nomination. Laura was nominated by her husband and was then selected over hundreds of applicants and four other finalists because of her compassion, commitment and expert skills as a caregiver.

Under Laura’s leadership, the GBMC SAFE program expanded to not only care for adult victims of sexual assault but also victims of child abuse, human trafficking, intimate partner violence and non-fatal strangulation.

Barbara O'Dair, editor-in-chief of Prevention magazine, said this about Laura: "Her extraordinary work embodies the true spirit of nursing." A devoted and comforting caregiver who advocates for her patients’ best interests, Laura is a shining example of both the nursing profession and of GBMC’s vision.

Congratulations Laura!

Pan-seared Flank Steak Served over Traditional Greek Salad

Every month, GBMC holds a Facebook Live cooking demonstration featuring healthy recipes from The Sleeved Chef, Michael Salamon. Michael graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and is passionate about “teaching cooking techniques and recipes to pre- and post-operative bariatric patients.” He had a type of bariatric surgery known as a sleeve gastrectomy in September 2016 and enjoys sharing his knowledge of cooking with fellow weight loss patients. Co-hosting the demonstration with him is Jana Wolff, RD, LDN, Director of Nutrition for GBMC’s Comprehensive Obesity Management Program, where Michael was treated.

The recipe is appropriate for bariatric patients, but it is also a great high-protein, low-carb meal for anyone! Fresh feta cheese is a good source of protein. Higher in calcium and B vitamins than other cheeses, it has less fat and calories than cheddar and Parmesan. Black Kalamata olives are naturally high in sodium, but are also full of healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as calcium and iron. Red wine vinegar is a low-calorie, low-fat option often used in salad dressings and marinades. While it contains only a trace amounts of nutrients, it provides full flavor without the calories.

Please tune in to GBMC’s Facebook page on Tuesday, May 23 at 6pm for another live cooking demonstration with Michael and Jana!

Ingredients

4 oz grilled flank steak
1 oz red wine vinegar
2 oz mixed greens
1 oz feta cheese, crumbled
3-4 Kalamata or black olives
2-3 thinly sliced red onions
2-3 cherry tomatoes

Instructions

Flank steak

1. Remove the flank steak from the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to cooking. Season both sides with extra virgin olive oil, Kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Place a cast iron skillet on a medium high heat for 3 minutes.
3. Gently place steak in the hot pan. You should hear a sizzle when it touches the pan.
4. Cook the steak for 3 minutes on each side for medium rare. If you would like your steak a higher temperature, place it in a 350F oven.
5. Remove from the pan and place on a cutting board. Allow steak to rest for 2 minutes before cutting it on a 45-degree angle against the grain.

Red Wine Vinaigrette

1. Pour 1 oz. of red wine vinegar into a stainless steel mixing bowl
2. Slowly whisk in 3 oz. of extra virgin olive oil. Slow and steady is the key.
3. Season with salt and pepper

Greek Salad

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Lightly coat with red wine vinaigrette and toss the salad.
3. Season the salad with salt and pepper.

Plating

1. Place the Greek salad on a small salad plate and top with flank steak.
2. Serve immediately to your excited guests!

Nutrition Information

Recipe yields 1 serving

Calories: 332
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 719mg
Protein: 31g
Carbohydrate: 9g


Recipe courtesy of Michael Salamon, The Sleeved Chef.