Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Ottawa Public Health helps seniors prevent injury from falls
Ottawa - Today, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) hosted a half day falls prevention seminar, bringing together community partners including physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists and public health professionals from across the region to share and exchange ideas. The keynote address was delivered by nationally recognized falls prevention expert, Dr. Vicky Scott, Senior Advisor on Falls and Injury Prevention with the British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit and the Ministry of Health.
“One in four older adults experience a fall every year,” said Dr. Rosamund Lewis, Associate Medical Officer of Health. “We understand many of the factors that lead to falls, and small changes in our homes and communities can go a long way to reducing the risk. That’s why it’s important to collaborate as partners to tackle this important issue.”
“Injury from a fall often results in chronic pain, disability, reduced quality of life and is the main reason why older adults lose their independence,” said Dr. Scott. “We know that most falls and fractures can be prevented – applying this knowledge to practice is the challenge.”
OPH recently launched a comprehensive falls prevention strategy, focusing on awareness, education, personal health plans, and screening clinics where seniors at risk of falling can be referred.
As part of their awareness campaign, OPH recommends that older adults:
- Have an annual check up every year including a physical, a review of medications, and an eye exam
- Do aerobic physical activity for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) each week
- Perform strength and balance activities such as lifting weights and Tai Chi at least twice a week
- Eat three daily servings of foods high in calcium such as milk, yogurt and fortified beverages
- Take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU if they are over 50
- Make their home safe by keeping it well lit, removing trip hazards, installing secure grab bars in bathrooms and sturdy hand rails on both sides of stairs.
For more information on OPH’s falls prevention strategy and seniors' safety please call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) for the latest public health information.
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