Slips and falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for Americans 65 and older, according to EmaxHealth.com. Seniors in Missouri apparently hurt themselves this way the most, as the state's rate of death by falling for this demographic is 31 percent higher than the national average.
In an effort to remedy this problem, public and private health groups in Missouri have come together and organized Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 22.
The objective of this day is to show that falls do not need to be part of an elderly person's life.
"We need to do more to educate the public about the serious problem of falls in older people, and how family, friends, caregivers and the elderly themselves can prevent falls," said Margaret Donnelly, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
According to the Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging, seniors can do a number of things to reduce the risk of falling. Tai Chi, for example, is a good way to strengthen muscles and maintain balance. Having one's eyes checked each year might be a good idea too.
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