‘Improve Your Balance, Prevent Falls Resource Fair’ to Address Top Cause of Injuries Among Older Adults
WAUSAU, WI –Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for adults aged 65 and older. Many people think falls are a normal part of aging, but they’re not. Most falls can be prevented. That’s why local organizations are coming together to hold the “Improve Your Balance, Prevent Falls Resource Fair” taking place on November 13 at Lake View Conference Center in Wausau.
“Sometimes older adults decline referrals to community resources because they’re afraid they’ll be forced to leave their home,” said Ruth Hebbe, Executive Director of Faith In Action Marathon County. “However, accessing community resources and actively taking steps to prevent falls can actually help people stay safely in their homes longer.”
Event attendees will complete a short fall risk screening upon arrival to help identify their individual risk factors. The screening tool will then guide attendees to booths with resources that can help address their specific risk factors. Booths will include experts in topics including balance and strengthening exercises, home safety, assistive devices, medications, vision, community resources, and much more. Free bone density screenings are also being offered at this year’s event.
“Bone density is an important indicator of how likely bones are to break,” said Amanda Tabin, Injury Prevention Coordinator for Aspirus Wausau Hospital’s Trauma Department. “People with low bone density are more likely to break a bone if they fall, so it’s important to identify and treat conditions that reduce bone density, such as osteoporosis, while also addressing an individual’s fall risk factors.”
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations in Wisconsin. Falls are also the top cause for EMS medical response calls in Marathon County.
“There are proven steps individuals can take to help prevent falls and community resources that can help,” said Jennifer Clark of the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central WI. “Taking action to reduce the risk of falling is an important way to stay healthy and independent as long as possible.”
Event details:
Event name: Improve Your Balance. Prevent Falls Resource Fair
Date: November 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Lake View Conference Center, 1000 Lake View Drive, Wausau (Use Parking Lot E or F. Enter in Door 31.)
The “Improve Your Balance, Prevent Falls Resource Fair” is sponsored by Aging & Disability Resource Center – Central WI, Aspirus Health, Faith In Action, and the Aspirus Health Foundation. For more information, visit https://www.adrc-cw.org/falls/.
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Author: News Desk
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