Falls Prevention Awareness Day

9/14/2012

North Carolina joins 45 other states and the Falls Free© Coalition in declaring a statewide Falls Prevention Awareness Day on the first day of fall, September 22, 2012. The National Falls Free© Coalition is also petitioning Congress to once again proclaim September 22 as the 5th Annual National Falls Prevention Awareness Day.  This year’s theme, Standing Together to Prevent Falls, seeks to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to raise awareness and prevent falls in the older adult population.

Every 15 seconds, an older adult is seen in an Emergency Department for a fall-related injury. Every 29 minutes, an older adult dies following a fall. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for those aged 65 and over in Vance County. Moreover, the chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age. The direct medical cost of fall injuries is over $28 billion.

“This day of awareness brings attention to a growing public health issue among older adults, but more importantly, the growing availability of proven falls prevention programs and interventions,” said (Bonita) Lynn Beattie, Vice President of Injury Prevention with the National Council on Aging (NCOA), and leader of the Falls Free© Initiative. “We need to create a national prevention dialogue, and we welcome everyone to stand together to promote older adult safety and independence.”

Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls in the older adult population. Experts recommend a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components; consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment; having medications reviewed periodically; getting eyes checked annually; and making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.

Rehabilitation therapists from Maria Parham Medical Center will be presenting a Falls Prevention Awareness Day Event on Wednesday, September 19th at 11 AM at the Vance County Senior Center. This event will include a presentation from physical and occupational therapists on fall prevention, as well as helpful information you can use to help decrease the risk of falls for you and your loved ones.


Please contact Nori Wilson at (252) 436-1582 for more information.


About Maria Parham Medical Center, A Duke LifePoint Hospital
Maria Parham Medical Center, located in Henderson, NC, is a regional hospital serving the people of north central North Carolina and Southside Virginia.   As a Duke LifePoint Hospital, Maria Parham offers a combination of Duke University Health System’s world-renowned leadership in clinical excellence and quality care, and LifePoint Hospitals’ extensive resources, knowledge and experience in operating community hospitals.  Maria Parham offers a wide range of services and the latest technology to meet the healthcare needs of the community. It is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and CMS. For more information about Maria Parham Medical Center, please call (252) 436-1800 or visit www.mphosp.org.