The Commonwealth has joined 45 other states in proclaiming Sept. 22 as Fall Prevention Awareness Day. In 2011, fall-related injuries among the elderly in the Bluegrass were associated with $266,239,369 in hospital charges, according to Julie Lasslo, Kentucky Safe Aging Coalition coordinator at the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center. In addition, writes Lasslo in The Lexington Herald-Leader, "falls come at an immeasurable impact on the quality of life for many seniors. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that a third of Americans are hospitalized as a result of falling."
Lasslo notes these falls are not an inherent part of the aging process and some simple strategies can prevent them:
# Engage in a physical activity regime that includes balance, strength training, and flexibility.
# Consult with a health professional about getting a falls risk assessment.
# Have medications periodically reviewed.
# Get an annual eye exam.
# Store frequently used items at waist level.
# Remove clutter from stairwells, hallways and walking paths.
# Install and use handrails in stairwells and bathrooms.
# Remove throw rugs.
# Place double-sided tape under area rugs and loose carpet.
# Keep your home well-lit and consider using a night light.
For more information, go to Nofalls.org
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