STEADI

STEADI – Stopping Elderly Accidents, Death, and Injury

1 out of 3 older adults – adults over the age of 65- fall each year. Falling once, doubles your chances of fall again.

1 out of 5 falls causes serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury
Over 700,000 people each year are hospitalized
95% of hip fractures are caused by falling

These facts and all the information below was taken from the www.cdc.gov as part of their initiative to help prevent falls in community dwelling adults

Are You at Risk For Falling?

Conditions that may contribute to falling:

• Lower body weakness
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Difficulties with walking and balance
• Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Also some over the counter medications can affect balance
• Vision Problems
• Foot pain or poor footwear

Most falls are caused by a combination of factors. The more risk factors a person has, the more likely they are to fall

Next Steps

• Ask you doctor of pharmacist to review your medications
• Get an annual eye check-up adn update your eyeglasses
• Make an appointment with a physical therapist for an annual fall risk assessment
• Continue to enjoy your active lifestyle with more confidence and without a fear of falling