National Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Written by the Alliance of the Aging. The JCS is a proud partner of the Alliance

September 23 is the first day of fall. It is also National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness about how to prevent falls and fall-related injuries among older adults. In Florida, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among residents 65 years and older.  Falls impact one in three Americans aged 65+ yearly and are costly in quality of life and dollars. Every 13 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. We can’t afford to wait. Now is the time to ‘take a stand to prevent falls.

EASY STEPS ANYONE CAN TAKE TODAY

Find a good balance and exercise program that includes strength and balance training.

  • Alliance for Aging, Inc. in partnership with Florida Health Networks offers evidence-based falls prevention programs in the community. A talk with our coaches is easier than a visit to the emergency room.
  • Florida Physical Therapy Association in partnership with Florida Health Networks is ready to facilitate Physical Therapist led interventions.

Talk to your health care provider and pharmacist.

  • Ask for an assessment of your risk for falling. Share your history of falls.
  • Mention any balance and/or mobility issues. Consider consulting a physical therapist.
  • Check medications with pharmacist. Some medicines, or combinations of medications can make you drowsy or light-headed, which can lead to a fall

Have your vision and hearing checked annually.

  • Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet

Make your home safe and wear shoes that give good support and have non-slip soles.

  • Come to a Matter of Balance class for help in conducting a home-risk assessment and talk to an occupational or physical therapist.
  • Reduce clutter and ensure proper lighting.

Flu and Falls Prevention Day, hosted by the Alliance for Aging’s Office of Healthy Aging Programs, in collaboration with the National Council on Aging, Miami-Dade County, the Department of Health, and Walgreens is scheduled for September 23, 2015. Located at Naranja Neighborhood Senior Center at: 13961 SW 264 Street, Naranja, Florida 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

For additional information about falls prevention or programs in our community, contact: Maria Scotto at 305-671-6383.  For data sources, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/preventadultfalls.htm