March 29, 2024

County celebrates Fall Prevention Awareness Day Thursday

On Thursday, Jasper County Health Department and Wesley Life celebrate National Fall Prevention Awareness Day.

The Challenge is that 1 in 3 Americans over the age of 65 fall each year. Every 13 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. Every 20 minutes an older adult dies from a fall. In 2013, the total cost of fall injuries was $34 billion. This total cost may reach $67.7 billion by 2020.

Falls without injury can cause fear of falling, leading to physical decline, depression and social isolation

Fall Prevention Awareness Day is a great time to learn about the link between fall related injuries and osteoporosis.

The good news is it is never too late to identify and treat osteoporosis or prevent falls to avoid broken bones. Speak to your medical professional about how to reduce your risk for osteoporosis and falls, about getting a bone density test, and about medications, if necessary to treat osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thin, weak and more likely to break. If you can prevent falls, you can prevent broken bones. Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for both falls and broken bones. Daily vitamin D and calcium supplements are associated with reduced falls and fewer broken bones in older adults. Regular physical activity and exercise that combine weight, muscle strengthening and balance helps reduce the risk of falls and actually improves the health of your bones.

Ways to Prevent Falls: First off all find a good balance and exercise program that build up your balance, strength, and flexibility. Talk to your medical professional and ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Regularly review of your medications with your pharmacist or medical professional to make sure side effects aren't increasing your risk of falling. Make sure your vision and hearing are annually checked because your eyes and ears are key to keeping you safely on your feet. Keep your home safe by removing trip hazards, increasing lighting, make sure stairs are safe, and install grab bars in key areas of your home. Talk to your family members enlists their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.

Community Based Fall Prevention Programs:

• A Matter of Balance — is an eight-week session workshop to reduce fear of falling and increase activity among older adults in the community.

• Stepping On — is a seven-week program that offers older adults living in the community proven strategies to reduce falls and increase self-confidence.

• Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance — Balance and gait training program of controlled movements for older adults and people with balance disorders.

For more information contact: Wesley Life — Life Style Director Alayna Bailey at 641-791-4550 or Jasper County Health Department at 641-787-9224
Sources: www.ncoa.org; www.cdc.gov/steadi; www.stopsfalls.org