Falling Prevention

Falling Prevention
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Facts on Falls among Older Adults Risk Factors Reducing Risk of Falls Childhood Falls Contact Information Links of Interest Injury Prevention Home Page National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Falls are a major cause of brain injuries. The risk of falls has long been associated with the result of getting older. Contrary to this perception many falls can be prevented. The following information is from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
Facts on Falls among Older Adults
Risk of falling increases with age. For people age 65 and older, more than half of all falls happen at home. Often people do not recall a fall that happened 3-12 months earlier. Older adults who fall once are likely to fall again within a year 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls. Back to Top
Risk Factors
The risk of falling increases dramatically as the number of risk factors increases like: Having physical limitations. Being mentally impaired. Having weak muscles or balance problems. Having more than one chronic disease. Wearing shoes with thick soft soles. Taking a number of medications. Having vision problems. Back to Top
Reducing Risk of Falls
The National Fire Protection Association and the Centers for Disease control & Prevention recommends that you: Maintain a regular exercise program. Make your home safer. Review all your medication with a health care provider to reduce side effects and interactions. Have your vision checked. Muscle strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones and improve the ability to live independently. Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits. Back to Top
Childhood Falls
Window Falls Prevention: Place furniture away from windows. Screens do not prevent children from falling. Open windows to a maximum of 4 inches wide. Secure windows with windows guards. Open windows from the top instead. Back to Top
Contact Information
Geri Essen Health Promotion Director Phone: 435-615-3912 gessen@utah.gov Back to Top	Lyndsi Marshall Health Educator Phone: 435-615-3917 lmarshall @utah.gov	Erin Watts Health Educator Phone: 435-615-3954 erinwatts@utah.gov
Links of Interest
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control CDC - Preventing Falls Among Seniors Foundation for Health in Aging - Falls Prevention Health Insite - Falls Prevention Resources Falls: How to Lower Your Risk Back to Top