Spectrum Health event focuses on reducing risk of falling

Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 22, 2017– Every 11 seconds, an older adult visits an emergency department due to an injury related to a fall. Spectrum Health will highlight the risks of falling and focus on prevention during its September 22 Stand Up to Falling event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center lobby.

In conjunction with the National Council on Aging, which hosts Fall Prevention Awareness Day on the first full day of fall each year, Spectrum Health will be giving away non-slip socks, evaluating seniors at risk of falling and offering tips from health care experts.

Tips include:

Ask a health care professional to review your medications once a year
Get and stay active
Have your hearing and vision tested regularly
Wear sensible shoes
Remove tripping hazards and install sufficient lighting in your home

“Falling does not have to be a natural part of aging,” said Laura Maclam, injury prevention and outreach coordinator for the Butterworth Hospital trauma team. “And just one fall can be devastating because it can take away a senior’s ability to live independently.”

Representatives from Senior Neighbors and the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan also will be available to discuss this pandemic problem and offer tips on how to curtail it.

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Beth Cranson
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Email: elizabeth.cranson@corewellhealth.org