Safety/injury prevention Archive

X-rays can detect a broken bone, dislocation, or joint problem. People should seek an x-ray if an injury results in severe pain; severe or persistent swelling or bruising; difficulty moving or bearing weight; or a noticeable deformity.

Over-the-counter cold remedies can be helpful, but they must be carefully considered before use. They contain drugs that can cause serious side effects, interact with other medications, and worsen certain health conditions. For example, decongestants can help ease a stuffy nose but also can increase blood pressure and heart rate. And cough suppressants can help someone stop coughing, but taking too much can cause dizziness, confusion, or even changes in mood or thinking.

A 2025 study suggests that urgent care clinics frequently prescribe prescription medications inappropriately for conditions such as ear infections, bronchitis, sprains or strains, or digestive discomfort.

Older adults need a strong core to stay active and healthy. While the core comprises many muscles, the four main ones lie within the abdomen: the rectus abdominis in the front; the external and internal obliques on the sides; and the deep, flat transversus abdominis wrapping your midsection. Several core exercises work many of these muscles, but the dead bug exercise can engage all of them and is safe for older adults, as it can be modified for any age or limitations. The dead bug is done by lying on the back and moving the limbs up and down to imitate a dying insect.

A statement from a group of doctors and scientists raised concerns around taking acetaminophen during pregnancy, but research backing this is based on observational studies and animal studies, so that no firm conclusions can be drawn from it. Here's what to consider if you're pregnant.

A 2025 randomized trial of people with carpal tunnel syndrome found that 57% of those who had surgery as a first-line treatment recovered within 18 months, without additional treatments, compared with 13% of people who received steroid injections instead.

Tennis leg refers to a strained calf muscle, usually the gastrocnemius. A person can injure the muscle during activity when planting the foot down hard or suddenly changing direction. This might happen during sports, such as tennis, or even while walking or jogging. Mature athletes, who are prone to injury, are vulnerable to the injury. Treatment can involve resting, elevating, and icing the calf muscle; wearing a compression sock; taking painkillers; getting physical therapy; and having surgery.

A 2025 study suggested that a structured exercise plan can significantly reduce the risk of falls among older women who take multiple medications.

Spending time alone with energetic young grandchildren can be physically challenging. It puts grandparents at risk for falls and injuries. It will benefit grandparents to improve their balance and do some muscle strengthening so they can lift or carry squirmy children and also get up and down from a chair or the floor while playing with kids. If children run off while in a grandparent's care, the grandparent should be wary of obstacles in the path to catch up to them, such as footstools or toys indoors and uneven terrain outdoors.