Page 41 - MAYO CLINIC Head to Toe e-magazine 293700

• Yohimbe

Yohimbe can cause serious side effects, including tremors, anxiety,
high blood pressure and rapid heart rate
Exercise caution if using these herbs and many others:
• Ginger and ginkgo
Taken in high doses or combined with blood thinners, such as warfarin
(Coumadin) or aspirin, or with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin IB, others), each of these herbs could increase the
risk of bleeding problems 44
• St. John’s wort
Used for mild to moderate depression, St John’s wort can alter the
effects of many common prescription drugs, such as warfarin, heart
drugs, seizure medications and drugs to prevent organ rejection in
people who have had transplants

SAFETY AND FIRST AID
43 Preventing falls

Falling is one of the most common causes of loss of independence
among older adults — but you can take many steps to prevent falls
Use this checklist to take a fall-prevention inventory of your home:
• All rooms
Keep electrical cords and furniture out of walking paths Fasten
carpets to the floor with tape or tacks Don’t use throw rugs
• Stairways

Make sure that stairways are well-lighted and include sturdy handrails
on both sides Carpet runners should not be loose If you have low
vision, apply bright tape to the first and last steps
• Bathrooms
Install grab handles and nonskid mats inside and just outside your
shower and tub and near the toilet Shower chairs and bath benches
minimize the risk of falling

40 Mayo Clinic