The Prescription Strength Podcast

Why Most People Over 50 End Up in A&E

Falls are one of the most overlooked threats to health and independence as we age—and they’re far more common (and serious) than most people realise.

In this Pocket Prescription episode, I explain why falls—not heart attacks—are one of the leading reasons people over 50 end up in A&E, and what actually happens after that fall that makes the difference between recovery and decline.

I cover:

Why falls are so dangerous (beyond just fractures)

The reality of hip fractures and loss of independence

The “long lie” and why being unable to get up can be life-threatening

The hospitalisation cascade: muscle loss, infections, and loss of confidence

Why falls risk increases with age (strength, balance, and sensory changes)

The surprising role of hearing loss in falls risk

Common hazards at home that are often missed

Most importantly, this episode focuses on what you can actually do:

How strength training reduces falls risk

Simple ways to improve balance at home

Why practising getting up off the floor matters

Practical changes to make your home safer

How to plan for a worst-case scenario

Falls are not just “bad luck” or clumsiness—they are predictable and, importantly, preventable.

If you want to stay independent, this is something worth paying attention to.

Links & resources:

Download my free Start Strength Safely plan

Join my weekly newsletter

Age UK home safety checklist (falls prevention)

You can also listen to my full conversation with A&E consultant Professor Rob Galloway on how to stay out of hospital.

Emergency medicine consultant Professor Rob Galloway joins me to talk about what is really happening inside A&E departments across the NHS.
This conversation was prompted by an article Rob wrote describing the current pressures in emergency care — corridor care, ambulance delays, and the growing mismatch between what the NHS was originally designed to treat and the illnesses now filling hospitals.
We discuss why the system is struggling, the consequences for patients and staff, and why the solution isn’t simply more money but a fundamental rethink of prevention, primary care and how demand is managed.
Rob also shares the personal story behind his charity Rare People, which funds research into treatments for rare diseases following his daughter’s diagnosis with a rare genetic condition.
Corridor care and the normalisation of unsafe conditions

Ambulance delays and hidden system failures

Why the NHS model struggles with chronic disease

Risk in general practice and emergency medicine

Defensive medicine and increasing investigation

Lifestyle illness and demand on emergency services

Falls, strength and long-term health

Rare disease research and Rob’s charity Rare People

Rare People charity:
https://rarepeople.org

Download my FREE 3 day plan :Start Strength training Safely https://www.prescriptionstrength.co.uk/3-day-strength-start/Get my Weekly Newsletter here https://bit.ly/3LkdrLGIn this video I outline the reasons that get in the way for most people when it comes to starting strength training. Don't let that be you.

Is Weight Training Safe with High Blood Pressure?
The Truth About Valsalva and Blood Pressure SpikesDr Lynette Ewart, an NHS GP and personal trainer, challenges fear-based advice that people with high blood pressure should avoid lifting heavy weights, bracing or the Valsalva manoeuvre.
She outlines who should be cautious, why fears are exaggerated and unfounded.

00:00 Myth Busting Warnings00:34 Why People Fear Lifting02:05 Blood Pressure Fluctuations03:09 Valsalva Explained04:39 Who Needs Caution05:33 How Hard To Train06:21 Fear Versus Progress06:55 Final Takeaways

Pelvic floor symptoms are common, treatable, and don’t mean you have to give up exercise. In this episode, pelvic health physiotherapist Clare Bourne, author of Strong Foundations, explains what prolapse really is, how physio helps, and why strength training isn’t the enemy.
We discuss:
• What pelvic organ prolapse actually means (and why symptoms matter more than grades)
• Stress vs urge incontinence — and how treatment differs
• What happens at a pelvic health physio appointment
• Why “just do your Kegels” isn’t enough
• Bladder retraining and common irritants (caffeine, fizzy drinks, alcohol)
• The overlooked role of constipation
• Pessaries as practical support
• Lifting weights safely and confidently

Bottom line: Pelvic floor issues are not a life sentence. With the right guidance, most women can improve symptoms and stay active.

Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strong-Foundations-pregnancy-postpartum-perimenopause/dp/0008604223/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0