Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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SENIOR CORNER Fall Prevention Key to Maintaining Independence by MARTHA OWEN and SUSAN GUY Gov. Bev Perdue declared the first week of fall, Sept. 20-26, as Falls Prevention Awareness Week. North Carolina joined 35 other states and the Falls Free™ Coalition in the effort to raise awareness of fall inju- ries and the serious problems they present for seniors. Over the course of a year, more than 40,000 emergency room visits across the state are the result of fall injuries suffered by seniors, according to the N.C. Division of Public Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Branch. That’s more than 110 visits each day. In 2008, 627 North Carolina seniors lost their lives due to a fall. In addi- tion to the high toll on people’s health and well being, fall injuries are also very expensive. In 2007, hospital charges alone added up to more than $425 million statewide. “Fall injuries not only reduce mobility for seniors, but they often lead to a loss of independence and earlier admission to nursing homes,” State Health Director Jeff Engel said. “With a growing senior population, it is critical for us to educate individuals and caregivers about ways to prevent falls.” Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls in the older adult population. 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 peri- odically; getting eyes checked annually; and making sure the home environment is safe and supportive. “We need to raise awareness of prevention programs and opportunities avail- able to seniors to encourage them to take part in those activities,” Dennis Streets, director of the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services, said. “Many senior centers and community programs across the state offer opportunities for seniors to become more physically active.” “Participating in some kind of exercise, like Tai Chi, which improves balance, can help seniors stay strong and help prevent a fall,” Streets said. “However, the general idea is to get moving, and if other activities like dancing or walking better suit someone’s ability, we encourage them to start there.” North Carolina is part of the Falls Free™ Coalition, which includes 35 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations and federal agencies across the country dedicated to reducing fall-related injury and death among older adults. A little caution can go a long way in pre- venting falls. Consumers can easily find locations for evidence-based health promo- tion programs like A Matter of Balance and Tai Chi on the NC Roadmap for Healthy Aging. Answer a few quick questions to see if you are at risk for a fall: • Do you sometimes feel dizzy for a few seconds after you stand up? • Has it been more than a year since you got your eyes checked? • Do you walk to the bathroom at night without any light? • Do you take four or more medications? • Do you worry about falling? If you answered yes to two or more of the questions, make a note to talk to your doctor about falls. Some other tips which can help prevent falls are: • Get a little exercise! Balance on one leg while doing everyday tasks, such as brushing your teeth, watching TV, or standing in line. Caution! If you aren’t so steady on your feet, hold on to a table, chair, or counter for extra support. • An easy step you can take is to clean your glasses. Look how easy prevent- ing falls can be! • Focus on home safety. Look around your home and see if there are things that could trip you up. Remove any small rugs that could cause a fall. COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM MARTHA OWEN & SUSAN GUY, Contributing Writers Volksmarch 3rd Annual Open to the Public! October 16 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Smith Lake Recreation Area Sponsorship does not imply Army endorsement 396-9126 fortbraggmwr.com OCTOBER 6-12, 2010 UCW 17