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Many senior citizens end up calling 9-1-1 for help because of a fall-related injury.
Last year, ETMC EMS logged 1,003 ambulance calls because an elderly person had fallen.
National statistics show that one out of three adults, 65 and over, fall each year. Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more than from other causes. Concerns about falling are common and sometimes intense. These feelings may be independent of the actual risk of falling and can result in reduced activity and socialization. Combined with other risk factors, this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy that relates to fall statistics.
In order to address this alarming trend, ETMC is offering a course for seniors, 60 years of age and older, who are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength. The course is held in eight sessions. The length of the class promotes socialization, reflection of personal experiences and creates long-term habits that help reduce the fear and risk of falling. The course acknowledges the risk of falling and emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce this fear through the following:
- Promoting a view of falls and fear of falling as controllable
- Setting realistic goals for increasing activity
- Changing the environment to reduce fall risk factors
- Promoting exercise to increase strength and balance
Who should attend?
- Anyone concerned about falls
- Anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength
- Anyone who has fallen in the past
- Anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns
The program costs $10, which covers the cost of the class materials. For more information on class dates contact Vicky Atkinson, outreach education specialist at
903-939-5746 or vgatkinson@etmc.org .
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