Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an older adult is treated in a hospital emergency room for a fall every 18 seconds, and every 35 minutes an older adult dies as a result of a fall related injury. In Florida, falls are the leading cause of injury, death and hospitalizations for residents 65 and over.
The good news is that falls are preventable. It is time we bring the issue of falls to light and address it as a community. The South Florida Fall Prevention Coalition, formed April, 2009, celebrated their first Fall Prevention Awareness Day this past September 22, the first day of fall 2009.
Whether you’re at risk, you know someone at risk, or you care for people who are at risk of falling, you can make or suggest a few changes to lower the chance of a fall. Experts recommend a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components; consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment and making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.
For more information check online at http://www.miamidade.gov.
Also, take a moment to visit the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and read more on falls. http://cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html There are some useful podcasts to listen to as well.
In the upcoming months, the South Florida Fall Prevention Coalition will be in contact with you providing additional resources and information on local fall prevention programs that currently exist in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Additionally, we want to find out what fall prevention action is currently taking place by you, your organization, or your community. Please send any questions or information to magec@med.miami.edu or call 305-355-9123.
Mamie Brisker, Coordinator
South Florida Fall Prevention Coalition