The NC Center for Health and Wellness and the NC Falls Prevention Coalition mark Falls Prevention Awareness Week September 18-22 this year with a weeklong webinar series, a new website and an online tool to help older adults in North Carolina stay falls-free.
The NC Center for Health and Wellness and the NC Falls Prevention Coalition are committed to empowering all older adults in North Carolina to reduce their risk of falls, which are one of the greatest causes of serious injuries and death among people over age 65.
As part of this national outreach campaign, the NC Center for Health and Wellness and the NC Falls Prevention Coalition is launching StandingStrongNC.org, a new website to help North Carolinians find practical tips on how to prevent falls and to raise awareness among older adults in NC. Visitors to StandingStrongNC.org can also utilize an online falls risk assessment tool available at no cost. Visitors complete a short survey that screens them for the most common falls risk factors, and there they can also find information and resources to take action.
They are also hosting a weeklong webinar series with experts from around the state that will highlight practical steps that people can take to prevent a fall. The series includes topics such as how to talk to your family and doctor about falls, how to make your home safer, why it’s important to have someone review your medications, and a practice session of tai chi to see how it can help with strength and balance. The webinars take place via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. on September 18 through 22 and 25. Registration is available here.
“More than four older adults died last year in NC every day from a fall. Many more were injured. Falling is not a normal part of aging, and most falls are preventable. We encourage folks to tune in to learn simple steps we can all take to prevent falls.” said Ellen Bailey, senior project manager for falls prevention at the NC Center for Health and Wellness. “We are also encouraging ‘watch parties’ so that people can get together to watch the series, talk about these steps and also just enjoy being together.”
Bill Johnson of Asheville attended a Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention workshop recently and said “Tai chi has given me something that I didn’t expect, and that is, a real improvement in my balance and my walking, and has helped me to eliminate my fear of falling.”
“We hear these great stories, like Bill’s, all the time and want more people to know about the steps they can take! The NC Falls Prevention Coalition has a strong history of helping older residents in North Carolina,” said Ellen Bailey, senior project manager for falls prevention at the NC Center for Health and Wellness. “We’re proud to be part of this national education and outreach initiative that is helping millions of older adults age well and stay falls-free. We encourage people to attend these virtual events and to visit StandingStrongNC.org for a free assessment and helpful resources.”
About the NC Falls Prevention Coalition: The NC Falls Prevention Coalition is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. The Coalition works together to reduce injuries and deaths from falls in NC. Learn more at StandingStrongNC.org and ncfallsprevention.org
About the NC Center for Health and Wellness: The NC Center for Health & Wellness (NCCHW) works to impact policy, build capacity, and ignite community initiatives by working through a web of cross-sector relationships organized around building healthier places throughout the state. Learn more at ncchw.unca.edu and healthyagingnc.com
About the National Council on Aging: The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging.
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