The National Council on Aging recognizes September 23, 2011 as Falls Prevention Awareness Day.   Every year, more than one in three adults aged 65 and over, and one in two adults over the age of 80, experience a fall in the United States. We should not accept falling and the fear of having a fall as a “normal” process of aging and should instead, try to prevent these occurrences.

What can you do to prevent a fall? Work together with your Doctor and a Physical Therapist and schedule a Balance and Falls assessment. Physical Therapists are licensed health care professionals that are trained to review your medical history, assess your current mobility, and create an individualized program to improve your strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and walking. Therapists recognize risk factors to falls such as weakness, vision problems, environmental hazards, and pre-existing medical conditions, and can educate you regarding ways to make your home safer and prevent falls. Physical therapists can also adjust walkers and canes to the correct height and teach you how to properly use them in addition to recommending proper shoe wear.

If you have ever complained of dizziness or feeling off balance, or have a history of falls, you should know that falls are the leading cause of emergency department visits as well as injury related hospitalizations for seniors aged 65 and older and account for 95% of hip fractures.

Don’t let a fall threaten your independence and quality of life. Learn how to prevent a fall now, and live a happier, healthier life. See your Doctor and Physical Therapist today to get started!