KDHE
TOPEKA – Falls are not a normal part of aging, but they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. That’s why the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is partnering with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free® Coalition to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 22.
The coordinated Ten Years Standing Together to Prevent Falls anniversary celebrations bring together older adults and their loved ones, health and aging professionals, and community leaders in support of falls prevention. Across Kansas, fun community events will empower older adults to stay active, independent, and safe in their homes and communities.
In Lindsborg, the Lindsborg Community Hospital’s Stepping On workshop begins Sept. 19 and will be held on Tuesdays through Oct. 31. The University of Kansas Medical Center’s Stepping On fall workshop begins Sept. 12. The Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center will hold Stepping On workshops each Thursday from Oct. 5 to Nov. 9. In Winfield, the William Newton Hospital will have Stepping On classes beginning Sept. 21 or Sept. 28. In Lenexa, Lakeview Village will host a Stepping On workshop on September 29. In addition, the Newton Medical Center (Newton) will lead a seven-week Stepping On workshop that begins Sept. 29.
“Falls prevention education can be life-changing, not just for the older adults that participate in these event, but for their loved ones, and even our community,” said Lori Haskett, Director for KDHE’s Injury Prevention and Disability Programs. “We are proud to support NCOA’s Falls Prevention Awareness Day efforts as part of our year-round commitment to supporting older adults in Kansas.”
“Falls prevention is a team effort that takes a balance of education, intervention, and community support,” said Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director of NCOA’s National Falls Prevention Resource Center. “This annual coordinated celebration is an opportunity to look at the world around us, be aware of falls hazards, and take action to stay safe from falls.”
To find out more about Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and NOCA’s work to prevent falls, go to www.ncoa.org/FallsPrevention.