Be weary of fall hazards in home

Each Tuesday, The Citizen features a health professional from the Finger Lakes community in The Banks: Today, in honor of Active Aging Week, we spotlight physical therapist Tom Bishop who will give a lecture tonight, at Auburn Memorial Hospital, on preventing falls.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. Knowing that you've helped someone get through an injury or disabling medical problem so that they are able to return to a productive lifestyle.

Q. What is the most challenging aspect?

A. Keeping up with the ever-changing nature of health care and government and insurance regulations, new treatments and procedures that are available.

Q. What are some key steps seniors can take to prevent falls?

A. Keeping fit both mentally and physically, being aware of your environment, especially fall hazards in the home.

Q. What are the biggest obstacles facing seniors who want to be fit?

A. There may be a pre-existing physical limitation such as arthritis, previous stroke, cardiac or respiratory problems that make participation in a regular exercise program difficult. There may also be a lack of guidance to assist in establishing an exercise program. That is easily accessible.

Q. What are some good exercises a senior could perform to keep active?

A. Walking is always a good, basic way to exercise, along with gradual leg strengthening, such as leg lifts, heel raises, step-ups and mini squats. As with beginning any exercise program, always consult your physician or a physical therapist first.

Q. What are the most common causes of falls for seniors?

A. Falls in seniors come in two categories. Intrinsic - physical problems - and extrinsic - environmental. The most common intrinsic problem is weakness. The most common extrinsic problem would be clutter in the home, such as loose cords or scatter rugs.

Q. What would people who think they know you be most surprised to find out about you?

A. I'm actually a pretty funny guy.

Q. Do you have any special plans for the next few months?

A. Seeing that I haven't had a vacation to speak of this year, I hope to take some time off in October

to enjoy some fall in the

Finger Lakes and get ready for winter.

Tom Bishop

Age: 56

Hometown: Auburn

Family: Wife, Margaret; daughters: Meghan and Erin; son-in-law, Jeff; grandchildren, Connor and Mary

Education: B. S. in physical therapy from Marquette

University and the Medical College of Wisconsin

Occupation: Manager, Rehabilitation Services, Auburn Memorial Hospital

Hobbies: Golf and reading