Senior Health Connection news 1 e t t e r Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center December 2009 Preventing falls among In the United States one out of every 3 adult 65 years of age and older experience a fall each year. Falls are one of the leading causes injury related deaths, hospital admissions, and emergency . room visits in older people. Falls can be caused by a number of factors, however, they can be prevented by taking a few simple steps to reduce your risk of falling and incurring an injury. • Begin a regular exercise program. Exer- • Diabetic Meals: Pumpkin Cookie Bars Seniors: What you can do cise makes you care provider re- stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that help improve your coordination and balance are the best. Make your home safer. Remove things you can trip over, such as small throw rugs, or use double sided tape to prevent slipping. Use handlebars in the shower/tub, and wear shoes with thin, non-slip soles. Have your health view your medications. Some medications or combinations of medications can make you drowsy or lightheaded, which can lead to a fall. • Have your vision checked. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have an eye condition that could cause poor vision, such as glaucoma or cataracts. (Source: cdc.gov) Baking spray with flour 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute 2 large egg whites 3/4 cup one-to-one sugar substitute 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk 1/4 canola oil 16 oz can unsweetened pumpkin 1/4 cup currants 9 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 2 tsp pumpkin pie 2 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp salt Preheat oven to 350° F (180° C), Gas Mark 4. Coat a 13 x 9 inch (32.5 X 22.5 cm) baking pan with baking spray. I n a large bowl, combine egg substitute, egg whites, sugar substi tute, dry skim milk, canola oil, and pumpkin. Mix for about 2 minutes. Stir in currants. 3. Sift dry ingredients over the mixture and fold in. Place the batter into he prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes until the batter springs bake when touched in the center. Cool in the pan and cut into 36 bars. 56 Calories, 2 g protein, 2 g fat, 10 g carbs, 1 g dietary liber. 129