Milford Wellness Village announced a Falls Prevention Day Awareness Program to be held on September 23 from 1 to 4 PM. The event coincides with Falls Prevention Day and is designed to provide tips to help those who may be prone to injury avoid falls which can be life-threatening.
In addition to falls prevention information, attendees will learn more about health and wellness, job opportunities at Milford Wellness Village and community resources. There will also be door prizes and cool treats.
Vendors are welcome at the event, but registration is required. The event is designed for those 18 or older.
Falls can be far more serious than people realize, especially for older adults and those who already have mobility, balance, bone-density or medication related risk factors. According to the CDC, more than 14 million Americans age 65 or older report falling each year and about 37 percent of older adults who fall suffer an injury that requires medical treatment or limits their activity for at least one day, amounting to an estimated nine million fall injuries annually.
In addition, falls send approximately three million older adults to the emergency department every year, and about one million are hospitalized. Nearly 319,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures each year and falls account for the overwhelming majority of hip-fracture emergency visits and hospitalizations.
It is not only older people who are at risk, however, as falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, even among those under the age of 65.
A seemingly minor fall can have very different consequences depending on the person. Older adults are more susceptible to fractures and head injuries. Medications that cause dizziness or affect balance can increase fall risk. Reduced strength and balance ar also important risk factors.
Consequences often extend beyond the initial injury as a hip fracture can lead to hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, loss of independence and mobility. That’s why a fall that a younger person walks away from wit bruises can be life changing for someone who is older.
Registration for the event is strongly encouraged. Anyone interested can register through Eventbrite or via email.
