items such as railings on stairs, grab bars in bathrooms,
brightness of natural light and lightbulbs, and unsecured
area rugs that are a tripping hazard.
If someone does fall, he says pain may be controlled
initially by alternating ice and heat applications for 20
minutes each. Look for bruising and bleeding. Be concerned
if someone is confused, passed out before the fall, has trouble
waking up or cannot get off the ground by themselves. “The
longer you are on the ground,” he cautions, “the higher the
risk of your complications.”
And if someone goes to a rehabilitation center after a
hospitalization, he says it’s important to continue with
exercises recommended by physical and occupational
therapists once the person goes home. “The people who are
most successful in their recovery are those who keep with it.”
He also advises remaining cautious about subsequent falls
but not letting those fears impact quality of life and activities
people enjoy. “Find ways to prevent falls and preserve your
independence.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE
AN APPOINTMENT with Dr. Pennisi, please call NCH
Physician Group at 239-624-0470.
John Pennisi, DO
MEDICAL EDUCATION
John A Pennisi is a Board Certified
Family Medicine physician. He graduated from the University of Medicine
and Dentistry of New Jersey School of
Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ.
He completed his residency in Family
Medicine at Rowan University School of
Osteopathic Medicine. After residency,
he completed a fellowship in Geriatric
Medicine with the Department of Ge-
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6 Steps
to Prevent a Fall
Find a good balance
and exercise program
Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for referrals. Find a program you like and take a friend.
Talk to your health
care provider
Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling.
Share your history of recent falls.
Regularly review your medications
with your doctor or pharmacist
Make sure side effects aren’t increasing
your risk of falling. Take medications only
as prescribed.
Get your vision and hearing checked
annually and update your eyeglasses
Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you
on your feet.
Keep your home safe
Remove tripping hazards, increase
lighting, make stairs safe and install grab
bars in key areas.
Talk to your family members
Enlist their support in taking simple
steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a
seniors’ issue.
Source: National Council On Aging
riatrics at the New Jersey Institute for
Successful Aging at Rowan University
School of Osteopathic Medicine, training in the unique needs of elderly patients and the care needed to maintain
independence.
other causes of memory loss, helping
older adults maintain functional independence and providing comprehensive geriatric assessment for elderly
patients. His emphasis is on adults 65
years of age and older.
MEDICAL INTERESTS
Dr. Pennisi has chosen to focus his care
on older adults, with special interest
in testing for Alzheimer’s Disease and
PERSONAL PROFILE
Dr. Pennisi is from southern New
Jersey, growing up in a suburb of
Philadelphia.
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November 2016 - March 2017
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