Every 13 seconds an older adult lands in an emergency department for a fall. In 2013, over 25,000 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries and 2.5 million were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal falls. More than 734,000 were hospitalized. Falls are the leading cause of hip fractures and the health care costs associated with fall-related injuries totaled $34 billion in 2013.
American Bone Health is joining the national movement to prevent falls and fractures with a special screening to be held at the Yoga with Sylvia studio on Tuesday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 3 to 4 p.m. Trained Peer Educators will screen older adults for balance and strength, and to educate them about how to reduce their risk of falling. The theme of this year’s event is Ready, Steady, Balance: Prevent Falls in 2016. The official social media hashtag is #FPAD2016. This event is being held in a number of communities throughout the country during the week of September 19th, in conjunction with the 9th annual Fall Prevention Week Activities. The event raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. American Bone Health is a national grass roots organization mobilizing individuals and communities with timely health information that supports strong and healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis and fractures.
To schedule a screening, call 239-768-1458 or email yogawithsylvia@comcast.net.
