Are you at risk for falling?
Do you have any drug interactions?
Find out your fall risk at this FREE health screening. Drop in – it only takes a few minutes for the screening! Occupational Therapy students from Jefferson University will provide screenings for balance, fall risks, blood pressure, and hand strength. Research has been suggesting that hand strength may be a better indicator of overall health than blood pressure. The OT students will provide handouts on preventing falls.
In addition, bring a list of all of your medications – name, frequency, dosage, and over-the-counter drugs. Janet Eaton, RN, a member of East Falls Village, will check for possible drug interactions or other side effects. Because prescription medicines, OTC drugs, and even some herbal products can cause side effects that increase your chance of a fall or motor vehicle crash. She will provide handouts on medication safety and give out some handy items, such as pill boxes and pill splitters.
In 2020, falls among adults 65 and older caused over 36,000 deaths , making it the leading cause of death for that age group. That same year, emergency departments recorded 3 million visits for older adult falls. And falls in older adults cost $50 billion in medical costs annually, with 75% paid by Medicare and Medicaid.
In fact, more than one out of four older adults falls each year, but less than half of them tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Two thirds of people who have fallen once will fall again within six months.
One out of five falls causes a serious injury – a broken bone or a head injury. Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture. Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways. Less than half of hip fracture patients recover their previous functions.
Thursday, March 30 – from 1 to 3 pm
Falls Library, 3501 Midvale Ave.
No registration needed.