Living Well 60+ September-October 2014 | Page 12

12 SEPT/OCT 2014 Fall Prevention Awareness Day 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. 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 has funds for this, plus the individual health departments PILATES PLACE ILATES PP L A C E 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 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. 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 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. 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. Pilates is designed to strengthen the body’s core muscles through low-impact fitness techniques. All sessions taught by Stott Pilates trained health professionals. 859-266-3810 365 Duke Rd. Lexingtotn [email protected] follow us on: Eastland Shopping Center 1020 Industry Rd. Ste 10 Lexington, KY 40505 859-253-0012 Mon 9-7, Tues-Sat 9-6