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Each year on the first day of fall, the Y joins national organizations from the Falls Free Coalition and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Two Rivers YMCA is asking older adults, caregivers, family members, and health care professionals to join us in raising awareness to prevent falls among older adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an older adult in the U.S. is treated in the ER for a fall-related injury every 14 seconds and dies from a fall-related injury every 29 minutes. Additionally, falls put an immense strain on the health care system, with the financial toll reaching over $60 billion. The good news is falls are preventable, and the first step to prevention is understanding risk.

Falling and fear of falling may prevent older adults from staying active, which leads to reduced mobility, diminished quality of life and actually increases their risk of falling. The good news is that falls are highly preventable and help is available for older adults and their families who want to get active.

Are you or your loved one at risk for falling? Take our Fall Prevention Risk Assessment to find out.

The Two Rivers YMCA can help older adults feel strong, steady, and safe by reducing falls risk through group exercise classes like SilverSneakers, Yoga, Slow & Easy, and more, as well as programs like our Body in Motion for individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

The CDC suggests these basic lifestyle and safety changes to help reduce risk or prevent falls:

  • Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength & balance.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines.
  • Get annual eye check-ups & update your eyeglasses.
  • Make your home safer by:
    • Removing clutter & tripping hazards.
    • Putting railings on all stairs & adding grab bars in the bathroom.
    • Installing proper lighting, especially on stairs.

 

To learn more about classes and programs that can reduce your falls risk, please contact Jennifer Taylor, Healthy Living Director