Alaska Fall-Related Injury Prevention

Announcements

Stay Independent... Fall Prevention Highlighted at Alaska Health Fairs

Fall prevention education was a focus at the Alaska Health Fairs this year. Read more...

Read more articles from Alaska Injury Prevention Program:

• What do a Famous Astronaut, a Weight-Loss Guru, and a Commissioner on Aging have in Common?
• New senior fitness activities in Anchorage
• Anchorage Senior Activity Center helps Prevent Falls and Encourage Independence
• Feel down? Get up! Emotional benefits of exercise even in the dark days of Alaska winter

This year we are observing Go4Life Month

Go4Life Month is a celebration of the benefits of exercise for older adults. This year's theme is Get Ready! Get Moving! Go4Life!, which focuses on:

• What you can do to make exercise a long-term healthy habit
• Safety tips
• Doing all 4 types of exercise (endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility)
• Tracking your progress
• Staying motivated to be active

Visit the newly updated Go4Life website for more information about:

• How exercise can help you
• Exercises to try
• Workout videos
• Printable and fillable tracking tools
• Other free resources

Tune in to the Go4Life Facebook Live fitness demonstration on Sept. 13 at 10am Alaska Daylight Time. Learn about the benefits of all 4 types of physical activities recommended for older adults and how they can make a real difference in everyday life. See Go4Life in action!

Facts About Senior Falls:

According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services:

• Falls are the number one leading cause of serious injury requiring medical attention and the loss of independence among Alaska residents aged 55 plus.
• In 2016 alone, (most recently available compiled data) the total amount billed to Alaska seniors for falls-related injuries was approximately $135 million—triple the amount billed in 2012. The average fall cost $80,000 for acute services only; including emergency medical services, emergency departments, intensive care units, and hospital charges.
• Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances are associated with increased likelihood for falls. Of those screened, 64% tested positive for alcohol, 25% tested positive for prescription drugs, and 25% for other substances. Further analysis of the data indicates the majority of those who tested positive for other substances had also tested positive for marijuana.

Listen to our Public Service Announcement (PSA)* about adult falls and how you can prevent them

For more information about physical activity options that can help prevent falls, check with your local Senior Center.

You can link to these helpful websites for info on:

• Staying Active:
  
• New STEADI Older Adult Fall Prevention
  Online Training for Providers:
• Alaska Commission on Aging - Falls Prevention Page
  

*PSA transcript:
"Broken hips and head injuries can have life-altering effects, especially for older adults. But no matter how old you are, it's important to be physically active to prevent injuries. Activity can also increase your strength, balance, and can be done at ANY age. Ask your health care provider about activities that will improve your health. You're never too old to get stronger.

Learn more about starting a new activity at InjuryPrevention-dot-alaska-dot-gov (injuryprevention.alaska.gov)."