Fall Prevention Week: September 23rd – 29th, 2015
“Take a stand to prevent falls”
For the last eight years, the first day of Fall has been sponsored by the National Council on Aging. The NCOA works every year to bring together our elders, thier families, health care providers, and health care professionals to help raise awareness to this very common public issue.
Since 2008, the SCR 77 aka D-Lowenthal law has been in effect, recognizing the first week of Fall each year as Fall Prevention Week. During this period numerous health care providers and senior care agencies hold health fairs, screenings, workshops, and presentations to dispose information pertaining to fall prevention and healthy living to elders and all individuals involved in their lives . Falls among seniors hinder their independence, quality of life, and their overall happiness.
- An estimated 2.5 million older adults are treated every year for fall related injuries, most often leading to a head injury or hip fracture
- 1 out of 5 falls result in serious injury, leaving over 700,000 patients a year hospitalized
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury
- Falling once doubles your chance of falling again
- To help prevent falls, first reduce risk factors including but not limited to: certain footwear, medications, home hazards (throw rugs, broken steps, clutter), vision problems
Falls CAN be prevented. Attend a seminar, health fair, workshop, or research the web to absorb some valuable information to help prevent you and your loved ones from falling.