Contributions

You have no posts

We reward new content.

START POST

Whoo Knew

No replies

Share your opinion on topics.

CONVERSATIONS

Contests

No entries

Win gift cards and more.

Your Profile

FOLLOWERS

Users

POINTS EARNED

REDEEM

Outlooks & Setbacks Saturdays

Dangerous Situations

Falling Down The Stairs

You might not think about stairs as being a very dangerous thing - and you’re right! In the grand scheme of risks, walking up and down the stairs is not very risky. However, the number of accidents that happen on stairs that cause injury is actually quite high.

In fact, you might be surprised to know that stairs are actually the second leading cause of injury, second only to motor vehicle accidents. 

Think about it - any of us who have been around for awhile probably have a story about falling down the stairs whether it was ourselves or someone else we know.

I have fallen down the stairs multiple times - it never resulted in serious injury, but it sure hurt!

My grandmother actually had a fatal fall down a set of stairs, so I know the danger that stairs can present. She was elderly and had Alzheime’rs and so her stability and balance were not optimal; however, it was still very surprising and eye opening to how dangerous stairs can be.

None of this is to say that you should stop walking down the stairs because most of us have had millions of successful trips up and down the stairs over the years! But be careful and mindful of the fact that a fall on the stairs can cause serious injury and harm.

Have you ever injured yourself on the stairs? 

Recommended Book

The Staircase

Mar 01, 1995
ISBN: 9780262700566

Interesting Fact #1

A fall down a set of stairs may cause serious spine and nerve damage. This is typically due to the fact that your spine and nerves are more fragile than other parts of your body. Nerve damage can result from your body over-stretching or because of direct trauma to your spine during a fall.

SOURCE

Interesting Fact #2

During a fall down stairs, your shoulder may take the brunt of the fall because it’s more difficult to catch yourself when you fall down stairs than it is to catch yourself when you fall on flat ground. When this occurs, you may sustain a shoulder dislocation, tear, and muscle strain. Sometimes a shoulder injury can resolve over weeks or months with the appropriate conservative treatment, such as chiropractic manipulation or physical therapy. Too often, however, shoulder injuries can require surgery and post-surgical therapy. Depending on your age at the time of your fall down stairs, your shoulder may never get back to the strength and range of motion you had prior to your fall.

SOURCE

Interesting Fact #3

Almost half of the houses in America have a set of stairs, as do many businesses. Although most trips up or down a set of stairs won’t present a problem, there are millions of people that fall down stairs every year and suffer serious injuries as a result.

SOURCE

Quote of the day

“Do not avoid the stairs because they are really good exercises for the real life!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan

Article of the day - 5 Good Reasons to Take the Stairs

Climb stairs instead of taking the elevator and reap these health benefits.

One good way to add extra steps to your day and improve your fitness level is to take the stairs when possible instead of an elevator or escalator. Stair-climbing is a great way to fit in a few minutes of activity during the workday or at home (assuming you have a set of stairs available). Adding even small amounts of extra activity to your day can add up to big fitness rewards.

Here are 5 good reasons to take the stairs:

  1. Stair climbing is good for your heart. Taking the stairs gets your heart pumping. This can help protect you against high blood pressure and may lower the risk of weight gain, diabetes and conditions that increase heart disease risk. One study showed that 7 minutes of daily stair climbing cut heart attack risk in half over 10 years.
  2. Stair climbing improves muscle strength, bone density and joint flexibility. When you climb stairs, you use muscles in your legs, abs, back and arms. And since taking the stairs requires movement in joints like your hips and knees, it helps increase flexibility. A weight-bearing activity, stair climbing can also strengthen your bones. This is especially important for women, who are more prone to osteoporosis.
  3. Stair climbing burns more calories than jogging. You can burn 5-11 calories a minute climbing stairs. This may not seem like much but it adds up to some major calorie burning over time, which can help you lose or maintain weight. Stair climbing uses about 7 times more energy than taking the elevator.
  4. Stair climbing is a great stress reliever. Having a tough day at work? Release some of your stress by strutting up or down the stairs. It'll give you a chance to air out and the physical activity will help you relax. You may also find the activity makes you more energized and alert.
  5. Stair climbing is convenient. You'll find stairs in many places—at home, at work and at the mall to name a few. So you can get in a few minutes of stair climbing wherever you are. There's no reason to join a gym, buy special equipment or even change your clothes. Just find the nearest set of stairs and off you go!

Question of the day - What is the worst injury you have experienced from a fall on the stairs?

Dangerous Situations

What is the worst injury you have experienced from a fall on the stairs?