Several locations offering free balance and leg strength screenings in support of healthy aging

For more information contact Kim Papich, SRHD Public Information Officer (509) 324-1539 or kpapich@srhd.org

SPOKANE, Wash. — Sept. 19, 2016 — Fall is just around the corner in Spokane, but falls shouldn’t be just around the corner for older adults. That’s why Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is joining forces with Spokane’s Fall Free Coalition and local partners to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 22, 2016, which is also (you guessed it) the first day of fall.

According to new data from SRHD, Spokane County’s death rate from falls has increased over time and the rate is significantly higher than Washington state’s rate. Fortunately, falls are a largely preventable problem and they do not have to be viewed as an inevitable part of aging.

This year’s Fall Prevention Awareness Day theme in Spokane, Ready. Steady. Balance., seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injury among older adults.

“An average of 540 calls are made to 911 in our community each month for assistance due to a fall,” said AJ Sanders, SRHD Senior Falls Prevention coordinator. “Falls Prevention Awareness Day brings greater attention to the many preventive measures that can be easily employed to keep our seniors upright and living independently.”

Celebrating on Sept. 22 are Rockwood Retirement Community Center, Corbin Senior Activity Center, and Fairwinds Retirement Community, which are hosting free, public events. Members of the public will be treated to educational presentations, guest speakers, balance screenings, and fall risk assessments, as well as an opportunity to observe or participate in local exercise classes. Click ###a href="http://www.srhd.org/news.asp?id=607" target="_blank">here for more details.

Additionally, on Sept. 28, Airway Heights Community Center will host another event that includes a falls prevention presentation, guest speakers and free balance screenings. Click here for more details.
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SRHD works in conjunction with these organizations and the local Fall Free Coalition to help prevent falls among older adults through education and promotion of regular physical activity, including balance, strength, and flexibility.

Year-round there are several resources older adults and families can access to prevent falls including free or low-cost exercise classes, free medication review, home safety services and independent living assessments. During an older adult’s annual Medicare wellness visit with their primary care provider he or she can be assessed for fall risk. Click here for more details. The resources sheet also includes a Falls Prevention Prescription, outlining these four steps for older adults:

1. Increase leg strength and balance.
2. Review medications with pharmacist at least once a year.
3. Have vision checked usually by an eye doctor.
4. Make the home safer.

This year marks the ninth annual National Falls Prevention Day, sponsored by the National Council on Aging. Last year, 48 states participated in Falls Prevention Awareness Day, joining more than 70 national organizations, including the American Occupational Therapy Association, other professional associations, and federal agencies that comprise the Falls Free© Initiative.

For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/. Or visit www.srhd.org. SRHD’s web site offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips. You can also follow us on Twitter @spokanehealth.