September is Healthy Aging Month and Falls Prevention Awareness Day is on Thursday, which also happens to be the first day of fall.
The ninth annual observance of Falls Prevention Day offers a great opportunity to spread public health and safety messages to older adults, family members and health-care providers on ways to prevent slips, falls and spills that are the leading cause of injury among older Americans.
Falls are the top cause of injury, hospital visits due to trauma, and death from an injury among people age 65 and older.
It is estimated that one in three older adults falls each year.
Fortunately, research has shown that many fall risks can be reduced.
Many factors can increase the risk of falling. These include:
- Past falls.
- Hazards in the home and community.
- Problems walking.
- Balance problems.
- Weakness.
- Improper footwear.
- Chronic diseases.
- Multiple medications.
- Poor vision.
- Depression.
- Memory problems.
- Behaviors like rushing.
3 recommendations
to reduce
fall risks
- Talk with a health profe
- ssional — Identify and treat medical problems that might lead to falls.
This includes discussing any previous falls with a doctor, reviewing medications with a doctor or pharmacist, and getting vision checked at least once a year.
- Get regular physical activity — Make a plan to have regular physical activity either in a class or at home.
The most effective types of activities to reduce fall risk improve balance, strength, flexibility and endurance.
- Be aware of safety hazards in the home and community — Look at the home to identify fall hazards and making changes for safety, also called home modifications.
It is also important not to rush and to be aware of fall risks when outside.
3 Free ways to learn about fall prevention
Monday
The hosts of The Morning Blend program on KGUN-TV 9 will talk to local experts about fall prevention at 11 a.m. Sept. 19.
Information will include practical ways to prevent a fall, and local resources that are available, including the PCOA health promotion programs, and home adaptations and repairs.
It is the first of four segments on The Morning Blend program that continue through Thursday.
Tuesday
Banner-University Medical Center Trauma Services is offering a free, three-part seminar at the Abrams Public Health Building, Room 1106, 3950 S. Country Club Road . Each 90-minute seminar will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The first is Sept. 20, followed by seminars on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4.
Attendees must register in advance by calling 694-4713.
Thursday
Green Valley Assistance Services is hosting an event about fall prevention from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 22 at Valley Presbyterian Church , 2800 S. Camino Del Sol. A dozen groups will take part.
There will also be talks by three speakers from the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health and Nursing: Dr. John Medlen at Pima Orthopaedics will focus on Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics; Robert Cunningham, a registered pharmacist, will discuss balance issues, including medications to consider and which meds to avoid. Jane Mohler, at the UA College of Medicine, Arizona Center on Aging will talk about the newest information on balance issues.
Balance classes
The Pima Council on Aging offers an ongoing series of 2-hour sessions that meets twice a week for four weeks called “A Matter of Balance.”
The series is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Locations vary. Class size is limited. Call 305-3410 for availability. A series offered in Spanish starts Sept. 27.
