Falls are common and costly, in fact one fall can change your life. People at age 65 or older are at higher risk for fall related injuries, but these falls are preventable and do not have to be a normal part of aging.
Falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths in older adults. 1 in 4 older adults fall every year. About 36 million falls are reported each year in the United States (almost one every second) and these falls resulted in 32,000 deaths. One out of every 5 falls results in an injury and 1 fall increases your chance of additional falls.
What can you do to reduce falls for the older adults in your family?
-Ensure that yearly eyeglasses, hearing and vision checks are done.
-Speak with your medical provider about specific risk factors that can lead to a fall.
-Keep your homes safe by removing tripping hazards, increase lighting and install grab bars in high risk areas such as the bathroom.
-Ensure the older adults stay physically active. A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for falls.
If you have questions about home fall prevention or would like a home safety survey conducted call your Gallup Fire Department Fire Prevention Office at 505-726-5448.
Original source found here.
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