 Fall Prevention Awareness Day
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Do you know someone that has fallen in the last 6 months? Have you fallen in the last 6 months? Do you feel like your balance has gotten worse lately? Are you afraid that you’ll fall? Are you living independently and want to remain living independently? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you could benefit from the events scheduled for Fall Prevention Awareness Day. Statistics show that:
· 30% of people living in the community who are 65 or older have suffered a fall in the last year.
· 90% of all hip fractures result from a fall.
· 20% of those individuals that survive a hip fracture are never able to regain independent living. These are just a few reasons why health care professionals in your area are working together to provide information that could help you, a loved one or a friend to prevent a fall. Governor Gregroire has proclaimed Thursday, September 18, 2008 Fall Prevention Awareness Day for the state of Washington. Many cities statewide will be having events designed to educate and motivate people to address many risk factors that make a person more likely to suffer a fall. Examples might be:
· Health fairs
· Lectures
· Exercise demonstrations
· Walks Most, if not all, of these events will be free to the public and will be put on by professionals. Check out this website by clicking on the registered events link to see if an event is scheduled in your area. You could also check your local:
· Area Agency on Aging
· Hospital Physical Therapy Department
· Health Department
· Senior Center
· Community Center S.A.I.L. Stay Active and Independent for Life
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