Health & Prevention

NC Falls Prevention Awareness Week (maintaining well being, Priority #1)

Posted by Paige Richardson in category Maintaining Well Being Priority #1: Prevention on September 21, 2011

Governor Perdue has proclaimed September 19-24 as NC Falls Prevention Awareness Week making this a good time to talk about the impact of falls on the aging and how falls can be prevented.

According to the Governor’s proclamation, it is estimated one third of seniors over age 65 and half of seniors over age 80 will fall each year and once an older adult falls they are two to three times more likely to fall again.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer five simple things aging adult can do to prevent falls:

1. Exercise regularly. Physical activity programs like Tai Chi that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.
2. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to reduce side ef­fects and interactions that could make you dizzy or unsteady.
3. Have your eyes checked at least once a year.
4. Improve the lighting in your home.
5. Reduce the hazards in your home that can lead to falls, such as loose car­pets and slippery or uneven floors.

To learn more visit North Carolina Falls Prevention Coalition.