Fall Prevention Awareness Week 2020

 As The Fall Prevention Lady, I have been actively involved in promoting awareness of fall risk factors, offering balance assessments and educating older adults how to prevent falls for over fifteen years.  I remember when "Fall Prevention Day" was first recognized and celebrated on the first day of fall or September 23rd.  

Every year since 2008, the third week of September was 'my time to shine'; as a fall prevention educator and balance specialist called 'The Fall Prevention Lady", I was busy giving free educational workshops and organizing and implementing community balance assessments to older adults.  I was one of the original Sacramento Fall Prevention Coalition founding members and with the Area 4 Agency on Aging and Kaiser Permamente, we offered the first community-based fall prevention events.

For the most part, COVID-19  killed community-based fall prevention outreach and I am sad.  I am sad that I did not get to meet hundreds of older adults who are concerned about falling down.  I am sad that these older adults are stuck in their homes, afraid to go out, not allowed to congregate with their peers; thus at increased risk of falling. 

It takes a community to prevent falls.  Unfortunately when the community is no longer able to get together and communicate, the risk of falling increases.  I am saddened that I was not able to offer free workshops and balance assessments to older adults in my community.  I miss the opportunity to meet people who want the education and skills that I have to improve balance and live independently.  

No one knew this was going to happen; in fact, in preparation for fall prevention awareness 2020, I wrote a book, "ABCs to Balance; Aging, Brains and Coordination" to complement my introductory workshops and I fine-tuned my "Brains and Balance" mobility classes for people of all ages and abilities.  

In celebration of Fall Prevention Awareness week past, I would like to offer my new book at a 20% discount.  Click here to get order my book. 

Preventing Falls One Step at a Time

Ironically, the first day of fall is nationally recognized as Fall Prevention Awareness Day.  The theme for this year's fall prevention awareness campaign is "Preventing Falls One Step at a Time".  In order to prevent a fall, it's important that you're wearing the right shoes!

The right shoe is one that has a good fit, good support, good sole and a good heel.  Think about it...if your shoes don't fit or if they are constantly slipping off your foot, the chances of losing your balance are much higher than if the shoe fits comfortably and securely.

As a Master Trainer in the evidence-based Stepping On fall prevention program, I teach an entire segment on proper footwear.  We do a "shoe audit" and encourage participants to take a good hard look at the shoes you're wearing.  Yes, those slip-on slippers might be your FAVORITE pair but if the shoe doesn't secure around your heel, there's a good chance you are compensating to keep it on.  Think of it like this:

IF IT SLIPS ON, IT COULD SLIP OFF.

Just remember, over 50% of all falls can be prevented with increased awareness and lifestyle changes.  Fall prevention researchers recommend you do two or more of the following:

1. Engage in consistent exercise program
2. Do a home safety check and make (or hire someone) modifications
3. Manage your medications

The more you know about things that contribute to falls and the more changes you make to prevent them, the more likely you are to remain safe and independent. 

Visit my new website, http://www.fallpreventionlady.com and order my book to learn about fall risk factors and mostly, what you can do to improve balance to prevent falls.  

The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention 

All you need to remain independent

One step at a time!
The Fall Prevention Lady