Griffin Hospital Offers Free Testing for Fall Prevention Week

In recognition of Fall Prevention Awareness Week (September 21-27), Griffin Hospital is offering free testing and information to help prevent harmful falls.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of three adults 65 and older will fall each year. For those 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury, death, and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. $28.2 billion dollars were spent in 2010 for nonfatal fall injuries and 82 percent of fall deaths were among people 65 and older.

To help individuals, especially seniors, avoid damaging falls, Griffin Hospital will have an information table with self-assessment test for fall risk and home safety tips available on the hospital’s main floor from Sept. 22-26. Additionally, there will be a free balance test on Monday, Sept. 22 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. there will be free medication reviews, and on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from noon- 1 p.m. there will be free lessons on strengthening exercises.