Fraser Valley – As Seniors Fall Prevention Awareness Week begins today, Fraser Health is reminding people, particularly seniors, that a fall is preventable and can be avoided by taking some simple precautions.
“While everyone experiences the occasional loss of balance, it is especially important to remind people that, in British Columbia, falls are the number-one cause of injury-related deaths in seniors,” said Fabio Feldman, manager, Falls and Injury Prevention at Fraser Health. “Twenty percent of older people who fall and fracture a hip do not survive.”
Falls are especially devastating among older adults, causing more than 90 percent of hip fractures and 60 percent of head injuries. On average, every 10 minutes a senior is hospitalized because of a fall. To prevent a fall, consider the following:
- Keep your body active: You are less likely to fall if you have strong muscles and good balance.
- Have your eyes checked by an optometrist once a year: Good vision can reduce your risk of falling.
- Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications: Some medications can make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or unsteady on your feet.
- Make your home safer: Falls are often due to home hazards that are overlooked but easy to fix.
As part of Fraser Health’s activities during Seniors Fall Prevention Awareness Week, we will host a Health Fair on Thursday, November 10th between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at Garden Park Tower (2825 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford). The event will feature expert advice from speakers such as award-winning physician, educator and media personality Dr. Art Hister. Topics discussed will include fall prevention, bone health, vision, home exercise, medical equipment, and more.
In addition, Fraser Health has launched a video PSA that will run on digital signage in Tim Hortons restaurants over the coming weeks in an effort to target seniors in places they might frequent. This campaign will be complemented by newspaper ads, posters and a tool kit distributed to Fraser Health Assisted Living sites to facilitate their own falls prevention workshops.
