Fall Prevention Awareness Week - September 21 – 27, 2008

Possible Fall Prevention Activities for Service Providers
(Senior Centers, Congregant Meal Sites, etc.)

• Display the Fall Prevention Awareness Week poster
  • FPCE Poster (8.5 x 11)
  • FPCE Poster (17 x 11)
  • CDC
  • Orange County

• Create a Fall Prevention display showing safety items

• Distribute a different flyer each day of the week - each having a fall prevention message with such topics as:

• Physical Activity
  
• Medication Awareness
• Home Safety
• Outdoor Falls
• Vision
• Preventing Falls with Pets

• Host a Fall Prevention Discussion Group

• Print up placemats for dining tables with Fall Prevention messages

• Host a contest for best Fall Prevention Poem

• Organize a walk (possibly with a neighborhood walking group)

• make/carry signs
• write a slogan or chantto say while walking
• write down areas where sidewalks are cracked or other hazards exist and send the list to Public Works

• Offer a Tai Chi demonstration

• Ask your exercise leaders to incorporate fall prevention information into their sessions

• Offer vision exams

• Offer Balance and Gait testing
  
  
  • Balance and Mobility PDF
  • Balance and Mobility Page

• Offer blood pressure checks


• Have a podiatrist come and offer foot exams


• Have a Physical Therapist come and talk about proper use of assistive devices
  

• Ask a local pharmacist to come and offer medication reviews


• Host a Fall Prevention dance

• Arrange a “Sloppy Slipper Swap” and give out safe slippers in return for old, unsafe ones

• Consider giving out:

• nightlights
• non-skid strips for bathtubs and showers

• Have written “Fall Prevention Quiz” during lunchtime with a prize for the person who comes up with the most ideas for lowering fall risk
  


• Contact any media connections you have and let them know about Fall Prevention Awareness Week and what you’re doing
  


• Organize fall prevention workshops
  


• Play Fall Prevention Bingo

FPAW Updates from the Stopfalls Network

• CDC Public Health Grand Rounds webcast will focus on Senior Falls Prevention on September 25th
  To obtain the webcast visit: http://www.publichealthgrandrounds.unc.edu/injuries/index.htm

Are you wondering how you’ll know if your FPAW event has been successful?

• Click Here For Self Assessment