Released on: August 12, 2008, 10:09 am

Press Release Author: Gennifer Mountain

Industry: Non Profit

Press Release Summary: On August 20, the Fall Prevention Program will bring
community members and organizations together for the first Fall Prevention Coalition
meeting. The intention is to learn more about fall prevention resources and needs
in Contra Costa County and work together to create a long-term action plan.


Press Release Body: Did you know that in 2005 there were 2,254 fall related
hospitalizations in Contra Costa County for people over the age of 60? And that
average cost of a hospitalization due to a fall in our county was $52,447.16? The
cost of falls in Contra Costa adds up to an estimated cost of $118 million a year.
Of those who fall many suffer severe injuries such as bruises, hip factures, or
head traumas. These injuries can make it hard to get around and limit independent
living, as well as increase the risk of early death. Fortunately falls are often
preventable with education, home risk prevention, medical assessment, and balance
and mobility activities.

The new Fall Prevention Program of Contra Costa County strives to reduce preventable
injuries, loss of independence and costs of death associated with falls among
seniors and people with disabilities by raising awareness and developing fall
prevention programs. The Fall Prevention Program operates under the auspice of
Meals on Wheels - Senior Outreach Services in partnership with Contra Costa County
Area Agency on Aging, Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department's
In Home Supportive Services, Contra Costa Health Services, Jewish Children & Family
Services of the East Bay and John Muir Senior Services.

On August 20, the Fall Prevention Program will bring community members and
organizations together for the first Fall Prevention Coalition meeting. The
intention is to learn more about fall prevention resources and needs in Contra Costa
County and work together to create a long-term action plan.

The keynote speaker at the event is Colleen Campbell, coordinator of the Senior
Injury Prevention Program of Alameda County. Colleen will be sharing the history and
successes of the Alameda County Fall Prevention Program with attendees to serve as a
model of excellence in Fall Prevention work for Contra Costa County.

The 1st meeting of the Fall Prevention Coalition of Contra Costa County will be held
at Pleasant Hill Recreation Center, 320 Civic Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 from
9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. For more information or to RSVP, please call Gennifer Mountain
at Meals on Wheels-Senior Outreach Services, Fall Prevention Program at
925-937-8311.

Some tips for preventing falls are:
1. Begin a Regular Exercise Program
Exercise makes you stronger and improves balance and coordination.
Ask your Doctor about the best type of exercise program for you.

2. Make Your Home Safer
· Remove things you can trip over from places where you walk
· Remove small throw rugs
· Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without a step stool
· Have grab bars put in where you can use them
· Improve lighting in your home
· Wear shoes both inside and outside the house, avoid wearing slippers or going
barefoot

3. Have your vision checked
Have your eyes checked at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses
or have a condition that limits your vision. Poor vision and certain types of
glasses can increase your chances of falling.

4. Have your health care provider review your medications
As you get older, the way medicines work in the body can change. Some medicines or
combinations can make you sleepy or dizzy and cause you to fall.


Web Site: http://mowsos.org

Contact Details: Gennifer Mountain

Falls Prevention Program Manager
Meals on Wheels-Senior Outreach Services
1300 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: (925)937-8311 ext 110
Fax: (925)946-1869
www.mowsos.org