First day of fall is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day initiated to raise public awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults. September 21, 2010 was the third year the senate passed this resolution, with the first day of fall on September 23 of 2010.
In 2010, thirty-six states participated in Falls Prevention Awareness Day. With the rise of falls among older adults, the need for falls prevention awareness has increased with more and more states recognizing the importance of education. Be a part of the growing community. Find out if your state is participating by clicking on National Falls Prevention Awareness Day link. You may also receive more information on an easy-to-read Check for Safety Checklist from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Prevent a fall today.
We have included a few tips to help you get started.
- Exercise regularly – Strength training
- Yearly eye examinations
- Improve the lighting in your home
- Make lighting easy to reach
- Take your time getting up from a sitting or lying down position
- Keep pathways free of clutter
- Use non-slip mats in your bath or tub and grab bars in the tub and toilet areas
- Use only throw rugs with a rubber, non-skid backing or no throw rugs
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Have handrails on both sides of stair cases
- Share your concerns about falling with your provider
National Falls Prevention Awareness Day
National Council on Aging. Tools and resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (pdf)
Check for Safety Checklist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cost of falls among older adults
