Falls Prevention Fair at Salem Health is a good place to start

(Salem, Ore. – Sept. 25, 2024) – The inconvenience of falls – and debilitating injuries from falls – doesn’t have to be a part of aging. Start now learning the kinds of things you can do to help prevent falls for yourself and those you care for. 

This weekend, Salem Health is presenting a Falls Prevention Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to noon, featuring a range of resources to help improve balance to avoid the injuries, and the loss of mobility and independence that can result from falls.

Staggering statistics note that people aged 65 and older face an increased risk of falling; one out of four will fall every year. After falling once, your chances of falling again doubles. Falls can cause serious injury — to the brain or hip — and significantly impact mobility. Each year, 2.8 million people over age 65 are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries, and 800,000 are hospitalized. 

“There is always something that can be done, no matter what stage in the game they’re in,” said Erin Clubb, health educator, Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics. “So, whether they’ve already had a fall and they want to prevent the next one, or if they’ve never fallen and they never want to fall . . . it’s not a normal part of aging.”

Salem Health’s Falls Prevention Fair can help in getting started on the journey to better aging – for you and your loved ones. The fair is designed to provide options, and ultimately hope, that safety, strength and balance is possible at any age, including:

• Balance assessments by Salem Health physical therapists
• Vision screenings
• Gehlar Wellness Kitchen taste testing of recipes that are packed with ingredients to improve bone health
• Demonstrations of physical activities to stay strong, on your feet and moving 
• Review of risk factors for falls
• Resources for healthy, manageable interventions, such as motion sensor hallway lights, that can help those who are at risk for falls due to vision decline

This free event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 28, in the Community Health Education Center at Salem Hospital, Building D. All are welcome.

For more information, call Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center at 503-814-2432.

About Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics

Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit us at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth. 

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