Falls Prevention Awareness Week
Sep 18, 2023
September 18-22, 2023
September 18th through September 22nd is fall prevention awareness week. Every year, falls lead to numerous injuries, hospitalizations, and even fatalities among older adults. In an effort to raise awareness and prevent these accidents, we observe Falls Prevention Awareness Week. In this blog post, we will touch on the importance of this annual event and provide practical tips to keep our seniors safe.
There are several ways you can control your risk of falling. These include: Creating a safer, fall-proof home environment, improving body awareness, increasing cardiovascular/muscular fitness, using hearing and visual aid devices, and understanding the effects of your medication on your mobility.
Learn more about ways you can prevent a fall from Shelby Kommes, Public Health Prevention Coordinator for the Sioux Falls Health Department and Noel Miller, Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator for Sanford Trauma.
Happening This Week
Join local fall prevention experts for an interactive discussion on how we can prevent falls and fires September 20, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Active Generations East 5500 E. Active Gen Place Sioux Falls, SD.
Community Fall Prevention Programs
Listed are a few resources and programs around Sioux Falls that you may find useful.
A MATTER OF BALANCE – VIRTUAL: MANAGING CONCERNS ABOUT FALLS
A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. The program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls.
You can have A Matter of Balance at an organization near you.
For more information click here.
STAY ACTIVE AND INDEPENDENT FOR LIFE (SAIL)
S.A.I.L is a strength, balance, and fitness class offered through Sanford Health and specifically designed for adults 65+. Participants improve balance and mobility, reduce their risk of falls, and improve their quality of life while having fun meeting new people.
Experienced and skillful instructors teach each class. These classes are tailored to active older adults who wish to maintain or increase their fitness level. Chairs will be available as needed. For more information visit: You can find SAIL classes here.
ACTIVE GENERATIONS FITNESS CLASSES
Active Generations has been a trusted source of fitness and movement classes within the Sioux Falls community since 1968.
A link to their fitness class calendar: LINK
Fitness classes are a great way to build body awareness and prevent falling.
BINGOCIZE
Combines exercise and health information with the familiar game of bingo - a great, fun way to get seniors moving and socializing! Currently, currently organizations can have Bingocize at their facility by request.
Contact karla.cazer@sanfordhealth.org to see about getting Bingocize at your local organization.
CAPABLE
If you are at a high risk for falls, talk to your primary care provider about the Community Aging in Place—Advancing BetterLiving for Elders or CAPABLE program. This program involves healthcare professionals and a care team to assist in a comprehensive fall prevention efforts.
You can also email capable@siouxfalls.org for more information on CAPABLE.
VIRTUAL FIT & STRONG ACTIVE
This 8- or 12-week workshop is designed to help participants exercise safely, improve daily function, and manage joint pain and stiffness. Topics covered
include strength training, aerobic exercise, overcoming barriers, fall prevention, maintaining an active lifestyle, and managing pain. https://healthysd.gov/fit-strong/
https://healthysd.gov/fit-strong
BETTER CHOICES, BETTER HEALTH
The presence of chronic disease is a major risk factor for falls. This program covers a variety of health topics in a six-week workshop-style class aimed at helping participants develop the skills to manage their illnesses. Registration required.
