News Release

September 8, 2010

North Carolina To Observe Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 20-26

North Carolina joins 34 other states in declaring Falls Prevention Awareness Week during the first week of fall, September 20-26, 2010.

Falls are the leading cause of injury death for adults 65 and older in our state. The North Carolina Division of Public Health's Injury and Violence Prevention Branch reports that over 2,000 North Carolina seniors lost their lives due to a fall between 2005 and 2008. Falls are also the leading cause of emergency room injury visits for seniors in NC. In addition, fall injuries are also very expensive: in 2007, hospital charges alone added up to more than $425 million statewide.

However, there is good news-many falls are preventable. Ellen Schneider, Associate Director at the Institute on Aging and steering committee member of the North Carolina Falls Prevention Coalition notes, "Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. We are undertaking a concerted effort in our state to raise awareness of the evidence-based actions that can be taken to help reduce the chances of falling, and to increase the availability of programs that have been proven to help reduce falls. We all want seniors to remain as safe and independent as possible for as long as possible."

Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls in the older adult population. Experts recommend a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components; 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.

Each day of North Carolina's Falls Prevention Awareness Week will have a specific focus:

Monday: Kickoff
Tuesday: Assessing Risks for Falls
Wednesday: Managing Medications
Thursday: Moving Your Body
Friday: Maximizing Vision
Saturday: Increasing Home and Environmental Safety

Events are taking place across the state to observe Falls Prevention Awareness Week. For additional information about activities that may be taking place in your area, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

North Carolina is part of the Falls FreeT Coalition, which includes 35 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations and federal agencies across the country dedicated to reducing fall-related injury and death among older adults.

Contact: Ellen Schneider, Tel. (919) 843-8528, Email: eschneider@schsr.unc.edu