Afraid You Might Fall?

You may have had a fall recently or heard about a friend who tripped in their home and injured their knee. It seems so many people you know have experienced a fall that resulted in some injury — whether minor or major.

Most falls can be prevented and Washington Health offers ongoing special education programs to help you, your family and your friends avoid ending up injured from a fall.

Falls account for more than 60% of the injuries that are treated at Washington Health’s Trauma Center, according to Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator Garrett Cordes. More than 2,700 traumatically injured patients have been treated at the hospital’s level II trauma center since it opened 13 months ago.

With attention and awareness, falls can be prevented, Cordes notes, “A key is understanding the things that put you at risk for a fall. These include tripping hazards in your home as well as when out in the community – such as uneven sidewalks. Or, if you take multiple medications, you may be more vulnerable for a fall. Often, multiple medications can cause dizziness, blood pressure changes, confusion and vision changes,” he explains.

Fall Awareness Month

Cordes urges everyone to become more aware of the things that can result in a fall injury and to learn how to prevent these injuries. September is Fall Awareness Month and September 22 – 26 is Falls Prevention Week. Washington Health offers two evidence-based prevention programs designed to reduce the number of injuries from falls in the Southern Alameda County community.

Matter of Balance is an eight-week program limited to 12 individuals to learn practical strategies to reduce fall risk. Sessions address topics such as fear of falling, learning about checking medications and how to perform home safety checks. The group also participates in simple body-weight exercises which are proven to improve strength, balance and endurance. Examples include sit-to-stand repetitions, toe raises, wrist/hand strengthening and posture-based balance drills.

Bingocize is a 10-week program for up to 30 individuals. Based on a highly successful national program, participants play bingo but must get up every five minutes for a fall prevention exercise. Both programs have been highly successful, according to Cordes, and two more sessions of each are planned in 2025.

In addition to the structured classes, Cordes and his staff also offer a Community Education Program based on the National Council of Aging’s recommendations, “Six Steps to Prevent a Fall.” The program has had successful presentations at senior centers, local community organizations, and special events such as New Haven Days, Festival of India (FOG India Day) and Summer Concerts in the Park.

The Six Steps to Prevent a Fall include: find a good exercise program; talk to your health care provider; review medications with a doctor or pharmacist; have your vision and hearing checked annually; keep your home safe; and engage your family in your fall prevention plan.

Cordes urges everyone, no matter what age, to follow the “Six Steps” recommendations to prevent falls. “While older people may be more vulnerable to injuries from a fall, everyone can benefit from looking around their environment and taking the steps to make their homes safer.”

For more information or to registration for the Matter of Balance and Bingocize programs, email TraumaDept@WashingtonHealth.com.