Study Finds Vitamin D and Exercise Reduce Risk of Falling in Elderly

A new review of more than 50 clinical trials found that exercise and Vitamin D supplements are the best way to reduce the risk of falling in people aged 65 and older. The review was led by Dr. Yvonne Michael, a professor at the Drexel University School of Public Health, along with colleagues at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research.

Falls are the leading cause of death and injury among seniors. According to Dr. Michael, the report will help primary care clinicians find better ways to prevent falls. The report was first reported in the December 21, 2010 edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Michael received her ScD in Epidemiology and Health and Social Behavior from the Harvard School of Public Health, SM in Health and Social Behavior from the Harvard School of Public Health and BA in Government from the College of William and Mary. Her research areas include the impact of social characteristics of communities and individuals on population health, particularly as it relates to active aging, women’s health and health disparities.

>> Read Reuters Article – Exercise, Vitamin D Tied to Fewer Falls

>> Read WebMD Article – Exercise, Vitamin D Reduce Risk of Falls in Elderly