Submitted by Lopez Island Home & Hospice Support.
With so many ways we may need or want to bring balance into our lives, physical balance is often neglected. However, since just one fall can change the quality and/or length of anyone’s life, maintaining balance and attending to safety can be critical to our well-being. Although young, healthy and active people can fall, the risk of serious injury from a fall increases as we age. Each year, millions of older people (65 and older) fall, with falls being the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths among elders. In this country, every year, there are over 3 million emergency department visits and more than one million hospitalizations from falls by older adults. The large majority of hip fracture-related deaths and hospitalizations, as well as traumatic brain injuries, are caused by falls. Therefore, many health-related agencies have become focused on fall-prevention strategies.
Several risk factors, such as poor balance, inadequate footwear, home hazards and lower body weakness, can be modified to help prevent falling. Often, after a fall, people have a heightened fear of falling, thus becoming less active. But less activity and movement will lead to more weakness and an increased chance of falling. Falling once doubles one’s chances of falling again. The more you move, the more your balance and strength can improve. A good sense of balance, along with body awareness, can help with quick reactions and stability. Physical balance can be learned, improved and maintained, even in some simple ways.
As part of the “Living Well on Lopez” series, LIHHS is offering a free class and discussion session (“Just Don’t Fall”) to increase awareness and provide fall-prevention assistance for our community. Presenters include representatives from the island’s fire department, physical therapy, Lopez Fit and LIHHS. They will offer different perspectives along with practical suggestions and simple home exercises, like daily balance practices.
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Church Hall.
Because a complimentary lunch will be provided, RSVPs are appreciated.
Contact 360-468-4446 or admin@lihhs.org for further information.
