7th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day

The seventh annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed on Sept. 23. This year?s theme: Strong Today, Falls Free Tomorrow, seeks to raise awareness about prevention of fall-related injuries among older adults. Falls are currently the number one cause of traumatic brain injury related deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits in Iowa. One out of three people age 65 and older fall each year. Persons who fall often face significant declines in mobility and independence.

Many falls can be prevented. By making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling. Here are six things you can do to prevent falls:

1. Regularly review your medicines. Medicines or combinations of medicines may work differently as we age. Some can make you feel sleepy or dizzy which can cause falls. It is important to have your doctor or pharmacist review all of your medications even those you have obtained over-the-counter.

2. Talk to your health care provider about your risk of falling. Tell your health care provider about your history of recent falls.

3. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Poor vision can increase your chance of falling. The eye doctor can discover if you have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limit your vision. You may need a new eye glass prescription.

4. Talk to family members and enlist their help in taking steps to stay safe. It is important to have the support of the people closest to you.

5. Exercise to improve balance and strengthen leg muscles. Improvement in these areas lowers the chances of falling. Ask your health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

6. Look around your home for safety issues.

If you would like more information about fall prevention, please contact Henry County Community Health or this web site: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/index.html.