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It is Fall Prevention Month
Falls are the most common cause of injury among B.C. seniors. The good news; they are preventable!
When an older person falls, it can have an enduring and devastating impact, resulting in injury, loss of mobility, a reduced quality of life and, in severe cases, even death. Each year, one in three B.C. seniors (age 65+) experience at least one fall. Fifty percent of those who suffer a hip fracture will not regain their full mobility, and will require permanent use of a cane, walker or other mobility aid for walking. Don’t let this be you!
Safe Communities Cranbrook is hosting its third annual Fall Prevention Awareness Campaign throughout the month of November. Local partners, volunteers and service providers are offering activities, workshops, meetings and social gatherings to talk about falls – why they happen, why it’s important, and what we can do to reduce them.
The campaign focuses on four simple actions we can all take – regardless of age – to prevent falls: start an exercise program; get a vision check; reduce home trip hazards; and have a medication review with a pharmacist.
November activities include workshops and activities focusing on these key topics.
Full schedules are available for pick up at Cranbrook Seniors Centre, Family Connections (old bingo hall beside Memorial Arena), Kootenay Physiotherapy, Kootenay Family Vision, Kootenay Columbia Home Medical Equipment, Kootenay Child Development Centre and at a month-long information station at Tamarack Centre.
Winter snow and ice certainly increase the risk of falls, so now is an excellent time to prepare. Get involved, get informed…and have a little fun learning how to keep yourself and your loved ones safer.
For more information, contact Safe Communities Cranbrook, 250-426-5677, or facebook.com/SafeCommunitiesCranbrook. Email [email protected] for a full schedule of Falls Prevention Month activities.
General falls information and resources can be found online at www.findingbalancebc.ca.
About Safe Communities
A Safe Communities designation is a public affirmation of, and testament to, a community’s aspiration to create a safer life for all its citizens. “Safe Communities” have shown considerable commitment to promoting safety and injury prevention. They have brought together a variety of local stakeholders, held public forums, determined priorities, and facilitated campaigns based on those priorities. There are currently 66 designated Safe Communities in Canada.
Cranbrook was designated as a ‘Safe Community’ in 2009. Its three identified injury priorities are: Transportation, Suicide & Falls. The group also sponsors the BC CRN (BC Association of Community Response Networks), which seeks to address adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect.
Safe Communities Falls Committee
