Falling isn’t just about skinned knees and elbows anymore. As a result of falls every year in Hawaii, on average 110 seniors die, 1,960 are hospitalized and 8,700 are treated in emergency departments resulting in almost $120 million dollars in
Falling isn’t just about skinned knees and elbows anymore.
As a result of falls every year in Hawaii, on average 110 seniors die, 1,960 are hospitalized and 8,700 are treated in emergency departments resulting in almost $120 million dollars in hospital and physician charges.
Falls affect the elderly and increase dramatically in the years after age 65. Falls and fall-related injuries can impose a burden on individuals, society and Hawaii’s health care system.
“Every hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a senior is transported by ambulance to an Emergency Room in our state. Yet many falls, and fall-related injuries can be prevented with existing knowledge and technology,” said Health Director Dr. Linda Rosen.
“Fall prevention is a major concern for the Department of Health. Through fall prevention efforts, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved seniors, the fastest growing segment of our population.”
The “Senior Falls Are Preventable” program will be presented at the Kauai Office of the Hawaii Department of Health, 3040 Umi St., Lihue from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday by Stan Michaels, DOH fall prevention specialist. Michaels will outline steps to prevent falls and will also show the newly released educational videos of fall prevention.
Also featured at the Friday afternoon program will be Ileina Ferrier, master trainer from the Tai Chi for Health Institute.
She will provide an interactive, audience participation demonstration of tai chi. Ferrier is one of only 21 master trainers in the entire United States and she is a Hawaii resident.
This style of tai chi is the basis for the instructor workshops she will lead on Saturday and Sunday at Kauai Therapy and Wellness. These tai chi workshops focus on training instructors to help prevent falls among older adults.
Info: Rachelle Bachran, 241-3564
DOH offers advice to prevent falls and fall-related injuries that can limit mobility and independence:
• Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications yearly
• Have your eyes checked annually
• Make your home safer by removing fall hazards, and improve your lighting; and
• Exercise regularly; it increases balance and flexibility.
