The 61-year-old nurse who specializes in geriatrics became a victim of her own scholarship when she slipped on a wet hill in August and broke her ankle. In an instant, her life changed.
鈥淢ost older people fear breaking a hip, an injury so serious that only a third of those older than 65 fully recover,鈥� Lach said.
鈥淗owever, you don鈥檛 hear as much about other injuries For instance a broken ankle keeps you off your feet longer than a hip. It鈥檚 something I鈥檒l be exploring in the future.鈥�
Breaking her ankle reinforced the importance of exercise for Lach, who always has been fairly fit. She鈥檚 back to walking on a treadmill, stretching and doing strengthening exercises, thanks to help from her physical therapist.
鈥淭he better shape you鈥檙e in going into an injury, the easier it is to manage and recover. Muscle strength and exercise really are the magic bullets for life.鈥�
Breaking her ankle has taught Lach other lessons:鈥� Keep your cell phone nearby in case of emergency. 鈥� Tone those arms, lift those soup cans. Lach found it easier to use crutches because her arms were strong. 鈥� Plan ahead. Know who might bring you groceries or walk your dog if you are laid up. 鈥� If inclement weather is predicted, buy ice melt, bread, milk, eggs and other essentials, such as medications.鈥� Stay put during an ice storm. Going out when it鈥檚 icy is risky for anyone, and particularly for those who aren鈥檛 moving as well as they might.鈥� Call for carryout. You can get almost anything delivered and shop online.鈥� Know your environment. Some places are easier to navigate for those who have disabilities. You鈥檒l learn where to park and where elevators replace stairs. 鈥� Be patient and work hard. Getting over an injury takes time and effort. Lach was on crutches and didn鈥檛 bear any weight on her ankle for nearly three months. She is now is walking without any devices 鈥� four months after her injury.鈥� Make sure your footwear matches the terrain you are going to be walking on. Sandals with smooth soles were not the best choice for wet grass.
Lach studies how fear of falling can perpetuate a cycle that causes poor health. A person breaks a bone and becomes afraid it could happen again, doesn鈥檛 move around, then becomes frail and more likely to fall.
That isn鈥檛 going to happen to Lach.
鈥淚鈥檓 more aware of falling,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I want to get back to my normal life. There are things I wouldn鈥檛 do right now, but I should be able to do them by summer because I鈥檒l be stronger and better. It takes time.鈥�
Founded in 1928, Saint Louis University School of Nursing has achieved a national reputation for its innovative and pioneering programs. Offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral nursing programs, its faculty members are nationally recognized for their teaching, research and clinical expertise.
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