Medical Minute 2/8/2016

New research suggests reducing knee buckling, could help prevent falls in older adults.

Knee buckling or a knee ‘giving way’ is common in elderly patients especially among those with arthritis and knee pain.

The study found people who fell when a knee buckled had a much higher risk of being injured and were more likely to fall again.

Experts say strengthening the knee through exercises, walking aids or even surgery could reduce serious falls and help seniors maintain a high quality of life.

Smoking Cessation Programs

A new study reveals similar smoking quit rates for people who use phone or internet programs for support.

Questionnaire’s from four states show 27 percent of people who used web-based programs remained smoke-free after 30 days. Compared to 32 percent of telephone quit line users.

Those who used phone services tended to be older, less educated, unemployed and single. Compared to those who chose internet-based counseling.