Falls prevention event in Wausau, WI. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – September is falls prevention awareness month in Wisconsin — and local groups are teaming up to raise awareness about one of the leading causes of injury among the older population.
Falls are the number one cause of injuries for older adults and experts say most of them can be prevented.
“The top cause of injury related emergency department visits, hospitalization and fatalities, as well as local EMS emergency medical calls,” says Amanda Tabin, Safe Kids and Injury Prevention Coordinator at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Organizers say falls should not be seen as a “normal” part of aging.
“And we know that falls are preventable, we want to make sure older adults have the information they need to take steps in order to stop falls,” says Tabin.
One simple step is daily movement. Even small walks can make a big difference, helping to improve balance.
If a fall does happen, knowing how to respond is crucial.
“If something is not feeling the way it should. If you can stay there it’s important to stay there. Call for help,” says Kozloski.
But if you’re able to move, they recommend getting into the recovery position.
“It’s important to get one leg up and then push up with your arms, then get that other knee so you can get up onto all fours,” says Kozloski.
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