Panhandle Health District

                                                             8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  Date:       December 21, 2011                            

Contact:                                                                                    Released by: Lora Whalen, Director                            

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

Simple Steps Prevent Seniors from Falling

Hayden – Idaho public health officials encourage the public to take steps now to improve the safety of seniors’ homes to prevent serious falls. Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury deaths among Idahoans age 65 and older, with the Idaho Emergency Management System responding to more than 5,000 fall-related calls in that age group last year.

                  “Falls among older adults can hurt their health and sense of security and affect the entire family,” says Lisa Gardom, who coordinates injury prevention programs for the Panhandle Health District (PHD). “We know that 30 percent of adults age 65 or older who are living in their own homes fall each year, which is why we’re working to help seniors in the five northern counties with balance and coordination.”

                  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an older adult is treated in a hospital emergency room for a fall every 18 seconds. And, every 35 minutes an older adult dies as a result of a fall-related injury. An average of 113 fall-related deaths occurs among seniors in Idaho each year.

                  Easy ways to make a home fall-proof include:

• Removing loose rugs and cords;
• Making sure stairwells are well-lit and have sturdy railings;
• Fixing any broken or uneven steps;
• Looking for and picking up clutter on the floor, such as magazines, boxes, etc.
• Making sure frequently used household items are within easy reach.

                Panhandle Health District encourages seniors to take advantage of the free local Fit and Fall Proof™ classes listed on the PHD website, www.phd1.idaho.gov under Classes Scheduled on the QuickLinks menu. These classes offer low to moderate intensity exercises designed to reduce the risk of falls and to improve mobility, balance and strength. The classes also offer seniors an opportunity to expand their social network.

              While the classes target seniors, they are open to all ages.

              “In some of our classes we have younger people who’ve had a stroke,” Gardom says.

              PHD offers 21 Fit and Fall Proof™ classes in the five northern counties. The classes attracted 1,200 participants this year. Only 421 participants were first-timers. In addition to physical activity, the classes provide seniors with information on diabetes, medical fraud, poison prevention, hydration and healthy eating for older adults.

             For information on Fit and Fall Proof™ classes, call Lisa Gardom at 415-5242 or visit www.phd1.idaho.gov.