MURRAY, KY – Falls continue to be a national public health concern. Join Murray Calloway County Hospital Rehab Services Department September 18 – 24 for Falls Prevention Awareness Week, as we raise awareness on preventing falls and reducing falls risk.

A simple fall can change your life. If you fall, you could break a bone, like thousands of older adults do every year. A break can be the start of more serious problems such as permanent disability and loss of independence.

According to the national Institute on Aging, more than one in four people age 65 years or older who fall each year. Many people think that falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they are not. Most falls can be prevented. Lower your risk of falling by using these tips:

• Talk with your health care provider about your fall risk and medication side effects
• Make your home safer by using night-lights, installing grab bars in the bathroom, remove tripping hazards and secure carpet to the floors.
• Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses.
• Find a good balance and exercise program to stay strong and flexible.
• Talk to your family members to enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.
• Take the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp to get a personalized over view of your falls risk and ways to remediate your risks so you can stay healthy and protected. Go to https://bit.ly/Falls-CheckUp and answer twelve easy questions to see how you can maintain your independence and stay falls free.

If you are concerned about falling, for yourself or a loved one, contact your health care provider for a referral to the Center for Rehab and Sports Medicine for a professional fall risk assessment. Call 270-762-1854 for more information