Ask the Doctor: Falls at Home; Lost Sense of Taste; Calcium Options
Q: I got rid of my slippery throw rugs and rearranged my furniture so I won’t trip. What else can I do to protect myself from falls at home?
A: The steps you have already taken are important ones. Likewise, make sure the rooms, stairs, and hallways in your home are all well and evenly lit. Also, keep a nightlight on for nightly trips to and from the bathroom. Add non-slip adhesives to your shower floor and/or bathtub, and install support rails within reach of the toilet and bath. Keep what you need and use (bedside lamp, kitchenware, etc.) within easy reach to avoid overreaching that can throw you off balance. Avoid using stepstools and ladders if at all possible. And bedroom slippers are notoriously unsteady footwear, so always wear shoes with non-slip soles, even when indoors. Just as important as the safety measures for your home, you should do regular exercises that improve your balance and weight-bearing exercises that maintain bone mass and strength. One final safety tip: Have your doctor review all your medications for contraindications or side effects that may cause dizziness.
Q: Some of my favorite foods just don’t seem to have much flavor anymore. In fact, most food tastes pretty bland. Is it normal to lose your sense of taste when you get older?
A: It is not uncommon for both senses of taste and smell to diminish as we age. Perception of sweet and salty flavors are usually the first affected. But do not assume that your loss of taste is age related, as there are other, treatable conditions that may be the source of your problem. The first question is, are you a smoker? Loss of taste and smell are among the multitude of negative side effects of cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking. Have you had a dental checkup lately? Gum disease and/or tooth decay can affect sense of taste (see page 4). As the sense of smell is virtually inseparable from sense of taste, nasal allergies, sinus infections or nasal polyps will all dull your perception of flavors. Some medications can directly impair taste and smell, and some cause dry mouth to the same effect. Whatever the source may be, see you doctor as soon as possible about the changes you noticed. There are other medical conditions that can affect taste and smell, so you want to rule them out right away. Meanwhile, don’t address bland foods with extra salt and sugar. Instead, experiment with herbs and spices that can harmlessly increase flavor and interest in your food and help restore your enjoyment of mealtimes.
Q: I am at an age where osteoporosis is an issue and I need extra calcium. The problem is that I am lactose intolerant. Are calcium supplements my only option?
A: Although it seems logical that a lack of calcium-rich dairy foods would put you at risk for osteoporosis, current research is not unanimous on this point. But despite the research, adequate calcium and the vitamin D that helps calcium absorption are vital to good health and there are sources other than dairy foods and supplements to help you. First of all, there are lactose-free versions of many dairy products you might try. Some milk alternatives, such as soy, almond, and coconut milk, are calcium and vitamin D fortified. Likewise, many prepared cereals and juices have vitamin D and calcium added in. Sardines and canned salmon are good sources, as are leafy, dark green vegetables, such as kale, collard greens, and spinach. Also, do not rely solely on your diet to guard your bone health. You must incorporate regular, weight-bearing exercises into your lifestyle if you want to keep your bones strong. In addition to weight training, yoga, dancing, and walking (energetic walking, not strolling) are all proven bone-strengthening activities. If you decide you want to try calcium supplements, talk with your doctor. Supplements can carry risks for people with certain health conditions. Also, the type supplement and dosage will be specific to your age, sex, and current health.
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