Area Agency on Aging District 7 joins state coalition in observing Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 23

Area Agency on Aging District 7 joins state coalition in

observing Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 23

The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. (AAA7) joins with the Ohio Older Adult Falls Prevention Coalition to recognize Thursday, September 23, 2010,

as Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and encourages all individuals in AAA7’s 10-county District to use the autumn season to educate themselves and their

loved ones about the risk of falls and fall-related injury that increases as we age.  The AAA7 covers Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence,

Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties.

“Falls among older Ohioans can negatively affect an individual’s health and sense of security, but can also have an impact on the entire family,” says

Pamela K. Matura, Executive Director of the AAA7. “We’re using the first day of autumn to mark the beginning of an ongoing effort to help Ohioans become

aware of the risks and do what they can to prevent them. Doing so will help our older neighbors remain safely in their homes and our community.”

Five easy things you can do to prevent falls are:

Increase your physical activity. Simple exercise, like walking or swimming at least 15 minutes a day, can help build muscle strength and improve

balance, which can prevent falls. Exercise programs like Tai Chi that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.

See your eye doctor once each year. Age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, can increase the risk of falling. Early detection is key to minimizing the effects of these conditions. 

Review your medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are taking and whether they may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Discuss things you can do to ensure you are taking your medicines safely.

Remove environmental hazards. Look around the house for anything that could increase the risk of falls, including poor lighting, loose rugs, slippery floors and unsteady furniture. Remove or modify these hazards.

Think, plan and slow down. Many falls are caused by hurrying. Slow down and think through the task you are performing. Be mindful of possible falls risks and act accordingly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 percent of adults age 65 and older living in the community, and more than half of all older adults who live in residential care facilities or nursing homes, fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma in older adults. Risk factors for falls include poor health status, prescription drug interactions, impaired cognitive function, use of alcohol, history of falls and impaired vision.

Falls Prevention Awareness Day is promoted at the state level by the Ohio Departments of Aging and Health.

Currently, the Area Agency on Aging District 7 offers a falls management program entitled “Matter of Balance” in selected counties throughout the

District.  For more information, please call the AAA7 toll-free at 1-800-582-7277. 

Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis in ten Ohio counties including Adams, Brown,

Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.

The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. (AAA7) joins with the Ohio Older Adult Falls Prevention Coalition to recognize Thursday, Sept. 23, as Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and encourages all individuals in AAA7’s 10-county District to use the autumn season to educate themselves and their loved ones about the risk of falls and fall-related injury that increases as we age.  The AAA7 covers Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties.

“Falls among older Ohioans can negatively affect an individual’s health and sense of security, but can also have an impact on the entire family,” says

Pamela K. Matura, Executive Director of the AAA7. “We’re using the first day of autumn to mark the beginning of an ongoing effort to help Ohioans become aware of the risks and do what they can to prevent them. Doing so will help our older neighbors remain safely in their homes and our community.”

Five easy things you can do to prevent falls are:

Increase your physical activity. Simple exercise, like walking or swimming at least 15 minutes a day, can help build muscle strength and improve balance, which can prevent falls. Exercise programs like Tai Chi that increase strength and improve balance are especially good.

See your eye doctor once each year. Age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, can increase the risk of falling. Early detection is key to minimizing the effects of these conditions. 

Review your medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are taking and whether they may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Discuss things you can do to ensure you are taking your medicines safely.

Remove environmental hazards. Look around the house for anything that could increase the risk of falls, including poor lighting, loose rugs, slippery floors and unsteady furniture. Remove or modify these hazards.

Think, plan and slow down. Many falls are caused by hurrying. Slow down and think through the task you are performing. Be mindful of possible falls risks and act accordingly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 percent of adults age 65 and older living in the community, and more than half of all older adults who live in residential care facilities or nursing homes, fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma in older adults. Risk factors for falls include poor health status, prescription drug interactions, impaired cognitive function, use of alcohol, history of falls and impaired vision.

Falls Prevention Awareness Day is promoted at the state level by the Ohio Departments of Aging and Health.

Currently, the Area Agency on Aging District 7 offers a falls management program entitled “Matter of Balance” in selected counties throughout the District.
For more information, please call the AAA7 toll-free at 1-800-582-7277. 

Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis in ten Ohio counties including Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.