Thursday, August 16, 2012

Summer is almost over, falls on the way


Summer is almost over….

The lazy dog-days of summer and 100-plus degree temperatures in Sacramento are coming to an end and the season of Fall will be here before you know it.  Back east, the colors of the changing leaves are beautiful and cooler weather is wonderful.  In the sense of seasons, I love Fall.

However as a balance and mobility specialist named “The FallPrevention Lady”, it is my mission to prevent falls!  Although people joke with me about preventing “Fall”, the seriousness of an accidental slip or trip cannot be denied. 
·      Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, unintentional injuries, and hospital admissions for trauma.
·      Falls can take a serious toll on older adults’ quality of life and independence.
·      Up to 50% of falls can be prevented.

To recognize this critical issue, the first week of Fall has been recognized as “Fall Prevention Awareness” Week and last year the city council of Sacramento officially proclaimed the third week of September as “Fall Prevention Week” to encourage communities to get involved in the education of falls and how to prevent them.

This year, the Area 4 Agency on Aging in partnership with Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento, Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell, the City of Sacramento and AT&T are hosting the third annual Community Fall Prevention Event at the Samuel Pannell Meadowview Community Center in South Sacramento. 
·      The event is free to the public and will focus on increasing awareness of factors that increase the risk of a fall and what you can do to reduce your risk of a tragic accident.
·      Local experts will provide free balance and health screenings, vendors will offer fall-related products and there will be a free lunch. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012
·         
9:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m.
·          
Samuel C. Pannell Meadowview Community Center
2450 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832
REGISTER TODAY!!!  CALL (916) 486-1876

If you are unable to attend this free event on Saturday, I will be hosting my Fall Prevention 101 workshop at Parkside Community Church on Tuesday, September 18 from 1-2:30pm.  I will discuss fall risk factors and demonstrate the types of exercise you should be doing to prevent an accidental fall.  Everyone is welcome~ call Becky to register.  (916) 421-0492.

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