Milestones Agency on Aging, St. Ambrose University, and the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) join forces for the Falls Prevention Awareness Day Workshop
Milestone Area Agency on Aging, the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), and St. Ambrose University encourage seniors to attend the Fall Prevention Awareness Day Workshop on Tuesday, September 23, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at CASI 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806. The workshop will include helpful information and instruction on how to live a Fall Free lifestyle.
Sessions will include balance and mobility assessment, pharmacy screening (please bring a list of your current medications), vision and hearing assessment, blood pressure checks, fitness and exercise demonstrations and door prizes!
The event is free, but advance registration is required. Please call or stop at CASI (1035 W Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA?563-386-7477) to reserve your spot today. Space is limited.
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those 65 years of age and over. Every 14 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. The chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age.
This year's theme, Strong Today - Falls Free® Tomorrow, highlights the important roles professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members play in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.
"Falls are not a normal part of aging and the resulting injuries can steal quality life from seniors and their families," said Albert Terrillion, NCOA Senior Director, Clinical Community Partnerships. "This awareness day is an opportunity for older adults and their support communities to learn how to reduce falls risks so our seniors can stay independent for as long as possible."
Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend:
- A physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.
- Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment.
- Having medications reviewed periodically.
- Getting eyes checked annually.
- Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.
- Having an annual hearing assessment.
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About the Falls Free® Initiative Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free® Initiative includes more than 43 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative. Use #FPAD14 to join the conversation on social media.
About NCOA The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults?especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged?and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.
For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging
