Living Well 60+ September-October 2014

1 2 SEPT/OCT 2 0 1 4
Fall Prevention
Awareness Day
Tips help reduce falls
among older adults
by Martha Evans
Sparks, Staff Writer
Fall Prevention
Awareness Day is
Sept. 23 – the first
day of autumn. Since 2008, this day
has been set aside to promote and
increase public awareness about
how to prevent and reduce falls
among older adults. Six years ago,
11 states observed FPAD. By 2013,
the number had grown to 47.
Falls are not just an older person’s
problem. But falling is more likely
to result in disastrous consequences
for those 65 and above. Most falls
happen in the home and are a leading
cause of death from unintentional
injuries in older adults. Every
15 seconds an older adult is seen
in an emergency department for a
fall-related injury.
In Kentucky, how FPAD is
observed depends on what the
local people want to do, said Hannah
Keeler, Kentucky Safe Aging
Coalition coordinator. Funding for
the events is through local and state
health departments, Keeler said.
“We don’t charge for the events. All
are free,” she said. “The state health
department
PILATES
has funds for this, plus
the individual health departments
PLACE
PILATES
PLACE
have some funds.”
Activities marking the day will
range from distributing literature
about fall prevention to hosting
full-blown events with speakers and
even one-on-one interviews, where
an individual can talk with a knowledgeable
person who can give
advice on how various medications
may affect balance and increase
the risk of falling. Vision screening,
balance tests and education on
home safety are among other topics
addressed on FPAD.
“Every year we [have] a governor’s
proclamation on that day saying
this is Kentucky Fall Prevention
Awareness Day,” said Keeler. FPAD
events are scheduled to take place in
Pilates is designed
to strengthen the
body’s core muscles
through low-impact
fitness techniques.
Franklin County, including Frankfort,
the state capital. Other events
are already planned for the Barren
River District Health Department
in Warren County (Bowling Green)
and the seven counties comprising
the Green River District Health
Department (Hancock, Daviess,
Henderson, Ohio, McLean,
Webster and Union). Bullitt and
Oldham counties also plan to mark
the day. Others will no doubt join
as the date approaches.
The 14 member organizations of
the Kentucky Safe Aging Coalition
partner to promote FPAD. Coalition
members include the Kentucky
Injury Prevention and Research
Center, the Kentucky Department
of Public Health, the University of
Kentucky College of Public Health
and UK’s Cooperative Extension
Service. The National Council on
Aging advocates for FPAD.
To learn more about FPAD or
this year’s schedule, Keeler suggests
calling the coalition’s office in
Lexington at (859) 323-4747 for
up-to-the-minute information. You
can also visit www.nofalls.org.
10 Tips for
Preventing
Falls
1. Find a good balance
and exercise program.
Build balance,
strength and flexibility.
2. Regularly review
your medications
with your doctor or
pharmacist. Do any of
them have side effects
that are increasing
your risk of falling?
3. Have vision and
hearing checked regularly.
Your eyes and
ears can help keep
you on your feet.
4. Get rid of clutter
you can fall over in
your home, including
small rugs.
5. If you keep small
area rugs, put grippers
on the underside so
they will not slide.
6. Be sure all stairways
have hand rails.
7. Install grab bars in
bathtubs and showers.
8. Don’t be too proud
to use a cane or even
a walker if such assistive
devices help you
maintain balance.
9. Keep a night light
on so you can see
where you are going if
you must get up during
the night.
10. Be sure your entire
home is well lit.
All sessions taught by
Stott Pilates trained
health professionals.
859-266-3810
365 Duke Rd.
Lexingtotn
studio@pilatesplaceky.com
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Eastland Shopping Center 1020 Industry Rd. Ste 10 Lexington, KY 40505
859-253-0012 Mon 9-7, Tues-Sat 9-6