Community Corner
Dunedin Mayor joins Governor Scott in officially proclaiming September 23rd "Falls Prevention Awareness Day"
Join Dunedin in supporting this national initiative by attending their event, Staying Balanced INSIDE & OUT on October 8th.
Falls are not a normal part of aging. That’s why Florida joined 48 states and the National Falls Free Coalition in declaring September 23, 2014, as statewide Falls Prevention Awareness Day. In an effort to support and bring attention to this crucial issue, Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers has led the charge in Pinellas County by issuing a proclamation at the City Commissioners meeting last night announcing September 23rd as Falls Prevention Awareness Day in the City of Dunedin, FL. Tarpon Springs Mayor David O. Archie and Largo Mayor Patricia Gerard joined in issuing their own proclamations as well. Representatives of the Fall Prevention Coalition of BLS and the Dunedin Committee on Aging accepted the proclamation at Thursday’s meeting in anticipation of a joint venture for the community on October 8th.
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those aged 65 and over. Last year, when Pasco and Pinellas County Fire Rescue responded to calls for a “fall victim”, 77% (nearly 14,000 reported falls) involved those 60 years of age and older. Falls Prevention Awareness Day is an annual effort to educate communities about the simple steps to mitigate against senior falls. This year’s theme, Strong Today – Falls Free® Tomorrow, highlights the important roles older adults, professionals, caregivers, and family members play in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.
WHAT:
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Staying Balanced Inside & Out (Free Community Event)
WHERE:
Find out what's happening in Dunedinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Hale Senior Activity Center,
WHEN:
Wednesday, October 8th 9:00-11:00 am & 11:00-1:00 pm (two complete sessions)
WHY:
Exhibits, Health Screenings, Safety Products, Balance/Exercise Demonstrations, SAFE Homes Info, Q&A with Health Experts on Fall Risk Assessments, Physical Therapy, Understanding Medications, and more! Over $2,000 in fall prevention products, services and equipment to be awarded in prizes. Refreshments provided.
CONTACT:
For further details or to confirm attendance, contact the Hale Center at (727) 298-3299 or email info@fallpreventioncoalition.org
About the Falls Free® Initiative
Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free® Initiative includes more than 43 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative. Use #FPAD14 to join the conversation on social media.