fallS prevention

Falls are a major cause of brain injuries. The risk of falls has long been associated with the result of getting older. Contrary to this perception many falls can be prevented. The following information is from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Facts on Falls among Older Adults:

• Risk of falling increases with age.
• For people age 65 and older, more than half of all falls happen at home.
• Often people do not recall a fall that happened 3-12 months earlier.
• Older adults who fall once are likely to fall again within a year.  95% of hip fractures are caused by falls.

Risk factors:
The risk of falling increases dramatically as the number of risk factors increases like;

• Having physical limitations.
• Being mentally impaired.
• Having weak muscles or balance problems.
• Having more than one chronic disease.
• Wearing shoes with thick soft soles.
• Taking a number of medications.
• Having vision problems.

Reducing Risk of Falls:
The National Fire Protection Association (NPPA
and the Centers for Disease control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that you:

• Maintain a regular exercise program.
• Make your home safer.
• Review all your medication with a health care provider to reduce side effects and interactions.
• Have your vision checked.

Muscle strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones and improve the ability to live independently.

Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits.

Childhood Falls:
Window Falls Prevention:

• Place furniture away from windows.
• Screens do not prevent children from falling.
• Open windows to a maximum of 4 inches wide.
• Secure windows with windows guards.
• Open windows from the top instead.

For information on Kitsap County Guide to Physical Activity for Older Adults and Walk to School Day, please call the Kitsap County Health District - Physical Activity Program at:
                               (360) 337-5257