Regional One Health is celebrating Fall Prevention Awareness Day on September 22, the first day of fall, to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. The National Council on Aging designated this year’s theme as  Ready, Steady, Balance: Prevent Falls in 2016. Regional One Health works with area senior centers providing education about fall prevention and motivating them to change risk taking behaviors.

Falls are the second major cause of injury in our community, and the Elvis Presley Trauma Center at Regional One Health treated 1,187 patients with injuries related to falls in 2015.  Many falls are preventable. Follow these tips to stay safe:

  • Find a good balance and exercise program. Look to build balance, strength and flexibility. Find a program you like and take a friend.
  • Talk to your health care provider. Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls.
  • Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.
  • Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses. Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet.
  • Keep your home safe. Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.
  • Talk to your family members. Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors’ issue.

Learn more at the National Council on Aging’s website.