The public is invited to this year’s Falls Prevention Awareness Day event, "Ready, Steady, Balance," designed to give older adults and families the resources they need to feel safe and healthy. The event will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the North River Civic Center, 1009 Executive Dr., #102 in Hixson.
Activities include health screenings such as blood pressure, balance assessment, grip test, bone density, carbon monoxide readings, educational sessions, medication review and take back (safe disposal of unwanted medicines), home safety stations, giveaways, and much more. The welcome ceremony and door prize giveaways begin at 9:30 a.m.
“In Hamilton County, there were 736 fall-related hospitalizations among older adults in 2012, resulting in almost $27 million in hospital charges. In that same year, 19 older adults died as a result of a fall,” said Carleena Angwin, public health educator with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. “We can change this by bringing attention to the preventive measures that can help keep older adults safe.”
Officials said traumatic injury due to falls can be avoided in older adults with the following behavior changes:
• Ask your health professional for a fall risk assessment;
• Review your medications periodically for drug interactions that could contribute to a fall;
• Participate in a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components;
• Have an annual eye and ear exam; and
• Create a safe and supportive home environment such as installing grab bars in bathrooms, handrails on stairs, and removing throw rugs and clutter.
The event is sponsored by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, City of Chattanooga Youth and Family Development, Erlanger Trauma Services, and BlueCare Tennessee, in partnership with additional community agencies and networks.
For further details, visit www.FallPreventionChattanooga.com or call the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department at 423-209-8203.