Governor Declares Fall Prevention Awareness Day

Falls Free Washington

Fall Prevention Awareness Day
Thursday, September 21, 2006

• Do you know someone that has fallen in the last 6 months?
• Have you fallen in the last 6 months?
• Do you feel like your balance has gotten worse lately?
• Are you afraid that you'll fall?
• Are you living independently and want to remain living independently?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you could benefit from the events scheduled for Fall Prevention Awareness Day.

Statistics show that:

30% of people living in the community who are 65 or older have suffered a fall in the last year

90% of all hip fractures result from a fall.

20% of those individuals that survive a hip fracture are never able to regain independent living.

Every year, nearly one-third of all Americans 65 or older experiences a fall. Falls result in hip fracture and other serious injuries. In fact, falls are the seventh leading cause of death in persons over the age of 65.

These are just a few reasons why health care professionals in your area are working together to provide information that could help you, a loved one or a friend to prevent a fall.

Most, if not all, of these events will be free to the public and will be put on by professionals. Go to www.fallsfreewashington.org to find out more. Click here to see what events are scheduled in your area. You could also check your local:

• Area Agency on Aging
• Hospital Physical Therapy Department
• Health Department
• Senior Center
• Community Center

See "Links You Can Use" in the July 2006 issue of Seniors Digest for more online fall protection resources.