阅读理解 When former President Ronald Reagan fell and broke his hip at the age of 89, he joined a group of more than 350, 000 elderly Americans who fracture their hips each year. Suffering from advanced Alzheimer''s disease, Reagan was in one of the highest-risk groups for this type of accident. The incidence of hip fractures not only increases after age 50, but doubles every five to six years as the risk of falling increases. Slipping and tumbling are not the only causes of hip fractures; weakened bones sometimes break spontaneously. But falling is the major cause, representing 90% of all hip fractures. These injuries are not to be taken lightly. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, only 25% of those who suffer hip fractures ever fully recover; as many as 20% will die within 12 months. Even when patients do recover, nearly half will need a cane or a walker to get around. When it comes to hip fractures, the most dangerous place for elderly Americans, it turns out, is their homes; nearly 60% of these dangerous spills will occur in or around the patient''s domicile. This isn''t all bad news, however, because a few modifications could prevent a lot of accidents. The first thing to do is to get rid of those throw rugs that line hallways and entrances. They often fold over or bunch up, turning them into booby traps for anyone shuffling down the hall. Entering and leaving the house is a particularly high-risk activity, which is why some experts suggest removing any doorsills higher than 1/2 in. If the steps are bare wood, you can increase traction by applying non-slip treads. Because many seniors suffer from poor balance (whether from neurological deficits or from the inner-ear problems that increase naturally with aging), it also helps to install grab bars and handrails in bathrooms and along hallways. The bedroom is another major hazard area that can be made much safer with a few adjustments. Avoid satin sheets and comforters, and opt for non-slip material like wool or cotton. Easy access to devices is important, so place a lamp, telephone and flashlight near the bed within arm''s reach. Make sure the pathway between the bedroom and bathroom is completely clear, and install a night-light along the route for those emergency late-night trips. It''s a good idea to rearrange the furniture throughout the house, so that the paths between rooms are free of obstructions. Also, make sure telephone and appliance cords aren''t strung across common walkways, where they can be tripped over. In addition to these physical precautions, there the health precautions every aging body should take. Physical and eye examinations, with special attention to cardiac and blood-pressure problems, should be performed annually to rule out serious medical conditions. Blood pressure that''s too low or an irregular heartbeat can put you at risk for fainting and falling. Don''t forget to take calcium and vitamin D, two critical factors in developing strong bones. Finally, enrolling in an exercise programme at your local gym can improve agility, strength, balance and coordination—all important skills that can keep you on your feet and off the floor.
单选题 The following are all specific measures to guard against injuries with the EXCEPTION of _______.
【正确答案】 D
【答案解析】A)、B)、C)都是具体的措施;D)是概括性的说法。重新摆放家具包括项目很多,比如把用具放到随手可以拿到的地方也是其中之一。
单选题 In which paragraph does the author state his purpose of writing?
【正确答案】 A
【答案解析】短文第三段中...a few modifications could prevent a lot of accidents.一句话是作为后边几段开始介绍避免伤害的措施的引言,也是一个总述。从第三段到最后一段都是在讲如何采取措施有效地避免这种伤害。
单选题 The main purpose of the passage is to_______.
【正确答案】 A
【答案解析】这篇短文花了大量篇幅谈论如何防范老年人患股关节骨折这种危险又常见的病,从第三段一直到最后一段,所以说这就是本文的主要写作目的。