The week of September 23 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is “From Awareness to Action: Preventing Falls Starts with You and Starts Today!”
The Northern Wake Senior Center (NWSC), 235 E. Holding Ave., is commemorating the occasion and raising awareness about the simple ways to prevent falls by hosting Falls Prevention Day on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event is free and open to community members of all ages.
Did you know that one in four Americans older than age of 65 falls each year? Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans, and falling once doubles the risk of falling again. Even falls that do not result in injury can deeply impact the quality of life for older adults. A fear of falling can cause seniors to limit their activities and social engagements, which can result in physical decline, depression and isolation.
The good news is that falls can be prevented. Exercise, good nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and fall-proofing one’s residence or business are all practical steps that can be taken to prevent falls.
The September 24 Falls Prevention Day at NWSC will address these and other prevention techniques through a variety of presentations and vendor advocates. The event will also include fitness demonstrations, pet therapy training, a photo booth, a BBQ plate fundraiser, refreshments, tips on how to get up from a fall, and free falls risk assessments (by appointment only) from local therapists. For more information on Falls Prevention Day, or to make an appointment for a free falls risk assessment, call 919-554-4111.
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