Nevada County

“No falls in fall!”  That germ of an idea sprouted into Falls Prevention Week in Nevada County.  Beginning September 20, the first day of fall, through September 27, 2008 the Falls Prevention Coalition will reach out to the entire county to increase awareness of the critical public health issue of senior falls and educate the community about how to reduce the risk of falling. The message will be clear: Falls are not inevitable.

The Fall Prevention Week committees have been busy planning an activity-rich week that includes:

• A media blitz utilizing local print, radio, TV and online outlets including PSA’s, articles, editorials, radio interviews and a locally produced TV show;
• Proclamations by our Board of Supervisors and city councils declaring September 20-27 Falls Prevention Week in Nevada County;
• A kick-off event for seniors and their families with: mini-workshops; a presentation on walkability issues in the county; an exhibitors fair; entertainment; a healthy meal and “healthy eating” contest; and a walk led by a Nevada County Land Trust senior;
• Workshops throughout the week, offered at several different venues, educating seniors: how to engage in physical activity to increase strength, flexibility and balance; what medications can contribute to risk of falling; how home modification can reduce the risk of falling;
• Where to go in the community for support in reducing the risk of falls;
• A workshop, offered by Area 4 Agency on Aging, for health and home care providers;
• A presentation at our local Independent Practice Association’s quarterly meeting for medical providers;
• Displays at several local churches;
• Several walking events, including a “walk with a supervisor.”

The coalition hopes their efforts during “Falls Prevention Week” will have a lasting impact on how the community perceives the problem of falls and what community members - from seniors, to family members to care givers to medical providers, to policy makers - can do to STOP FALLS.