|
|
Be 'Fit and Fall Proof
|
|
September 19, 2012 |
Panhandle Health District (PHD) encourages
seniors in the five northern counties to
recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Week,
September 16-22, by joining a free Fit and Fall
Proof™ fitness class in their area.
In Boundary County, the on-going 10-week class is held at
the Senior Hospitality Center, 6635 Lincoln
Street, from 11 a.m. to noon each Monday,
Wednesday and Friday.
“More than 937 fall-related calls in our
district in 2010 were from people 65 years old
and older,” said Lisa Gardom, Fit and Fall
Proof™ coordinator for PHD. “Ninety-four percent
of those people were taken to the hospital. We
need to stand together as a community and raise
awareness of preventive measures that can keep
seniors safe in Idaho.”
Every 15 seconds, an older adult is seen in an
emergency department for a fall-related injury.
Nearly twice as many women as men fell in the
five northern counties in 2010 and the majority
of those were in their 80s.
Nationally, falls are the leading cause of both
fatal and nonfatal injuries for people older
than 64. The chances of falling and being
seriously injured increase with age.
“This week of awareness brings attention to a
growing public health issue among older adults,
but more importantly, the growing availability
of proven falls prevention programs and
interventions,” said Bonita Lynn Beattie, vice
president of Injury Prevention with the National
Council on Aging, and the leader of the Falls
Free© Initiative.
“We need to create a national prevention
dialogue and we welcome everyone to stand
together to promote older adult safety and
independence.”
Studies show that a combination of interventions
can significantly reduce falls in the older
adult population. Experts recommend a physical
regimen with balance, strength training and
flexibility components, such as are offered in
18 Fit and Fall Proof™ classes in the five
northern counties.
Experts also recommend consulting with a health
professional about getting a fall risk
assessment, having medications reviewed
periodically, getting eyes checked annually and
making sure the home environment is safe and
supportive.
Nearly 14 percent of the population in the five
northern counties is older than 64, ranking
northern Idaho second in the state. That
population is expected to grow nearly 2 percent
by 2015, faster than anywhere else in the state,
according to the state Dept. of Health and
Welfare.
Fit and Fall Proof™ classes offer low to
moderate intensity exercises designed to reduce
the risk of falls and to improve mobility,
balance and strength. The classes also offer
seniors an opportunity to expand their social
network.
Fit and Fall Proof™ classes are listed on the
PHD website,
www.phd1.idaho.gov, under Classes Scheduled
on the QuickLinks menu. For more information,
call Lisa Gardom at 208-415-5242 or e-mail her
at
lgardom@phd1.idaho.gov.
|
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
