May
is Older American's Month
Presidential
Proclamation--Older Americans Month Older
Americans have lived through momentous and trying
times in our history, and they have strengthened
our national character. Their experience and wisdom
connect us to the past and help us meet the challenges
of the present. During Older Americans Month,
we show our support and appreciation for these
treasured individuals who have contributed so
much to our Nation.
This
year's theme for Older Americans Month, "Age
Strong, Live Long," recognizes the efforts
of people of all ages to promote the well-being,
community involvement, and independence of senior
citizens. As Americans live longer, healthier,
and more productive lives, many are starting second
careers and continuing to be involved in their
communities. Give back to an Older American in
your life; help them maintain their independence
and quality of life by preventing falls. To learn
more about preventing falls click
here.
Aging
in Place
To
view AARP Housing Policy Solutions to Support
Aging in Place click
here.
Denials
for Reimbursement
The American Occupational
Therapy Association did a study of the barriers
to reimbursement: Analysis
of Medicare Policy in Relation to Preventing Falls
Among Older Adults .
Harry Feliciano, MD, MPH Contractor Medical
Director, Palmetto GBA is an advocate of fair
reimbursement.
May
is Healthy Vision Month: Schedule an Eye Exam
Today!
Millions
of people in the United States have undetected
vision problems and eye conditions. These conditions
and problems are a major contributor to falls.
Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among
adults age 65 and older in Hamilton County . One
in three adults age 65 and older fall each year.
Fortunately, falls among older adults can be prevented.
In fact, through a comprehensive dilated eye exam,
eye care professionals can detect common vision
problems and eye diseases, many of which have
no early warning signs. Please encourage your
loved ones to schedule eye exams.
Join
the National Eye Institute (NEI) this May during
Healthy Vision Month to raise awareness about
eye health and the importance of dilated eye exams.
Healthy Vision Month is an annual observance established
by NEI, one of the National Institutes of
Health, to keep vision a health priority
for the Nation.
Additional
steps you can take to reduce the risk of falling
include:
•
Improve lighting in the home.
•
Reduce hazards in the home that can lead to falls.
•
Exercise regularly to increase strength and improve
balance.
•
Ask a physician to review medications to reduce
the risk of harmful side effects.
These
simple precautions can make all the difference
when it comes to staying safe and healthy.
Learn
about the importance of dilated eye exams @ http://www.nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes
April
2011 National Public Health Week "Safety
is NO Accident: Live Injury-Free"
Many
Ohioans believe that accidents just happen, but
won't happen to them. However, most injuries aren't
accidents – they're preventable. The threat of
injury lasts throughout your lifetime. Beyond
cause cuts and bruises,
injuries such as falls can have devastating effects
including broken bones, head injuries, disabilities
and reduce independence and quality of life. K
nowing the risks and
taking steps to avoid injuries can help keep you
and your loved ones stay safe. Click
here to view full article. View
"Safety is NO Accident: Live Injury-Free"
video.
Rural
Community Fall Prevention
The
NCOA reached out to a researcher who has been
developing a fall prevention toolkit for rural
populations and learned that the rural community
fall prevention toolkit is finished! It is still
being tested for efficacy and they've just about
finished the primary paper describing the development
work. Copies are available through the Kansas
Department of Health and Environment and the Regional
Institute on Aging websites. To
view the toolkit click here.
You
might also find interesting a video on falls in
farmers as part of rural fall prevention from
Dr. Deborah Reed, College of Nursing, University
of KY. To
view the video click here.
CDC's
Injury Center Announces New WISQARS™
Module: Cost of Injury
Reports
The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Injury
Center is pleased to announce the release of the
new WISQARSTM (Web-based Injury Statistics Query
and Reporting System) Cost of Injury Reports.
The module provides cost estimates for injury
deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department
visits where the patient was treated and released.
Researchers, the media, public health professionals,
and the public can use WISQARS™ data to learn
more about the public health and economic burden
associated with unintentional and violence-related
injury in the United States. Access
full article here.
For
more information or to access WISQARS™ visit:
www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars
Osteoporosis
Diagnosis Research Study
UC
is looking for women, 65-80, who have experienced
an arm or wrist fracture in the last two years
to participate in a research study to evaluate
a painless and non-invasive technology to improve
the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Informational
flyer. People interested in participating
can call (513) 475-6638.
"Keeping
Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2007" Bill
Introduced to Congress
A
new bill has been introduced to congress to help
keep older adutls safe from falls and fall related
injuries. The "Keeping
Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2007"
billl calls for increased strategies to educate
seniors, family members, caregivers, employers,
and healthcare providers about ways to prevent
falls, increase fall prevention services, conduct
additional research , and to determine the most
effective strategies for reducing healthcare costs
associated with falls. This important legislation
addresses the growing problem of falls and fall-related
injuries among older adults.
Fall
Prevention Task Force Members Act as Guest Columnists
in Community Newspapers
BJ
Jetter, Fire Chief of Sycamore Township and Patrick
Shumrick, of the Center for Balance have published
fall prevention articles in local newspapers.
Chief Jetter's article highlighed strategies to
stay safe from falling during winter weather while
Dr. Shumricks's article communicated the importance
of being physically active to help prevent falls
and provides information about Tai Chi. To view
these individual articles and others, please click
below:
Don't
Let Winter Weather Get you Down
Spruce
Up Exercise Routine, Prevent Falls with Tai Chi
Find
a Tai Chi program in your neighborhood!
Does
your Home Fit your Needs
Letter
to the Editor
Fall
Prevention Alert Allergy Medications Increases
Risk for Injury
You
Are Not Alone with the Fear of Falling
What
to do After a Fall
September
is Fall Prevention Awareness Month in Hamilton
County
Falls
and Diabetes |
Increase Text +
Reduce Text – 