Stand Together against falls - Calvin Presbyterian offers fall prevention workshops

Calvin Presbyterian Church is offering two “Come One, Come All” Fall Prevention Workshops

September 21, 2012 at 10:30am and 12:00pm (repeats)

Washington State joins 44 other states and the Falls Free© Coalition in declaring a statewide Falls Prevention Awareness Day to herald the first day of fall.  Two Fall Prevention Workshops will be held at Calvin Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 21, 2012.

This year’s theme, Standing Together to Prevent Falls, seeks to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.

One out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury death. In 2000, direct medical costs of falls totaled a little over $19 billion—$179 million for fatal falls and $19 billion for nonfatal fall injuries. This equals $28.2 billion in 2010 dollars.

Every 15 seconds, an older adult is seen in an Emergency Department for a fall-related injury. Nationally, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those aged 65 and over. Over 19,700 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries in 2008. Moreover, the chances of falling and being seriously injured in a fall increase with age.

“This day of awareness brings attention to a growing public health issue among older adults, but more importantly, the growing availability of proven falls prevention programs and interventions,” said (Bonita) Lynn Beattie, vice president of Injury Prevention with the National Council on Aging (NCOA), and leader of the Falls Free© Initiative. “We need to create a national prevention dialogue, and we welcome everyone to stand together to promote older adult safety and independence.”

Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls in the older adult population. Experts recommend a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components; consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment; having medications reviewed periodically; getting eyes checked annually; and making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.

At Calvin Presbyterian Church, and other community-based organizations across the United States, programs like A Matter of Balance and Stepping On help older adults gain the strength, improved balance, and confidence to help them live healthier lives and preserve their independence.

The one hour “Come One, Come All” Falls Prevention Workshops will be held on Friday, September 21st at 10:30 am and at Noon.  Workshops are just $5 per participant.  Calvin PC is located at 18826 3rd Avenue NW, Shoreline, WA 98177,

To learn more about the workshops, contact Coach Lisa 206-524-6788,

Washington State is part of the Falls Free© Coalition, which includes more than 40 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies across the country dedicated to reducing fall-related injuries and deaths among older adults.

More information about the Falls Free Coalition, or contact Ken Schwartz.