Falls: Which Residents are at Risk? Falls can happen in a split second. While they can't always be prevented, it's important to know which of your residents are at an increased fall risk. According to the CDC, residents are more likely to fall if they have the following traits1: Have muscle weakness and walking or gait problems (these residents account for almost a quarter of all falls in nursing homes) Take medications, including sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs Have difficulty moving from one place to another Have poor foot care or poorly fitting shoes Use walking aids improperly or incorrectly

Environmental risks, including wet floors, poor lighting, incorrect bed heights and improperly fitted or maintained wheelchairs, can also contribute to falls. The CDC recommends implementing a fall prevention strategy that includes a combination of medical treatment, rehabilitation and environmental interventions that should be undertaken at the organizational, staff and resident levels. Professional Medical offers a complete line of products to aid in your fall prevention efforts. To learn more, contact your territory manager, visit us at www.promedsupply.com or give us a call at (800) 648-5190. Reference 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls in Nursing Homes. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/ Falls/nursing.html. Accessed October 8, 2012.

CDC: Cancer Patients, Survivors Need the Flu Vaccine October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – and it's also the beginning of fall, when flu starts to pop up. While cancer patients and survivor are not more likely to get the flu, they are at an increased risk of complications if they do, including pneumonia, hospitalization and even death. The CDC recommends that cancer patients and survivors get the flu vaccine (they should receive the shot, not the nasal spray). Cancer patients and survivors are also advised to contact their healthcare providers immediately if they experience flu-like symptoms. To learn more, click here.

The new Flex/Advanced Alarm attaches easily to your nurse call system and is compatible with universal chair and bed sensors, seat belt systems and our floor sensor pad (600-ALFP-365). Additional features: A toggle switch inside the battery cover converts the alarm from a bed/chair sensor to a floor sensor Alarm is always in the "on" position, making it impossible for staff to forget to turn it on (meets Joint Commission guidelines) Alarm automatically resets when pressure is re-applied to the sensor pad All settings are located inside the battery compartment (hi/lo/remote volume, 0/2 second delay, bed/chair sensor, floor sensor) Dual-function battery cover features a snap-to-close design as well as a screw for increased tamper resistance Unbreakable stainless steel mounting clip Nurse call compatible (also includes remote alarm option) Available with optional protective boot to protect the monitor from accidental drops (600-ALPB)

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