Good Samaritan  Fall Prevention Learning Series-Sept. 16

Kearney- This September, Fall Awareness Month, CHI Health Good Samaritan is launching a monthly speaker series focused on preventing accidental falls.

Falls pose a silent epidemic, threatening the health and independence of 14 million older adults annually. They are the leading cause of death for individuals over 65. Last year alone, Good Samaritan admitted 369 older adults due to fall-related injuries.

The learning series will be held on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Peterson Senior Center in Kearney. Health care experts will lead discussions on various topics related to fall awareness and prevention. Understanding common fall risk factors and implementing simple, effective prevention strategies has been shown to help older adults maintain their independence and safety. 

The series is free and open to the public. After each class, 20 randomly selected participants will receive a complimentary lunch at the center.

CHI Health Good Samaritan Fall Prevention Speaker Series

Learn essential prevention strategies and facts about falls from experts in their field

3rd Tuesday of the month, 10:30-11:30 am

Peterson Senior Center, Kearney

FREE and open to the public

Sept. 16: Adam Liess, PT, GO Physical Therapy, Balance & Fall Prevention
Oct. 21: Holly Warth, RN, Instructor, Kearney Park & Rec, Tai Chi
Nov. 18: Nicki Bohl, RPh, CHI Health Good Samaritan Pharmacist, Medications
Dec.: NO CLASS
Jan. 20: Shelly Jorges, CHI Health Good Samaritan Stroke Coordinator, Stroke Prevention
Feb. 17: TBA
March 17: TBA

“Falling is not an inevitable result of aging. In fact, most falls can be avoided by addressing common underlying risk factors. It might be something as simple as adding a nightlight or removing a tripping hazard, to getting your eyesight and hearing checked yearly,” says Tracy Rademacher, trauma prevention coordinator at Good Samaritan. “Keeping our community safe with manageable tips and beneficial advice from our experts is the basis for this learning series.”

Good Samaritan also offers complimentary Fall Prevention Lunch and Learns in surrounding communities upon request. To learn more, please contact Tracy Rademacher at 308-865-7697.

This learning series is funded by a grant from the Nebraska Blue Foundation. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) supports programs that enhance the health and well-being of Nebraskans and contribute to the state's economic vitality through its philanthropic initiatives.

Facts About Falls https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death among adults ages 65 and over.
More than 1 in 4 older adults fall each year leading to: 
41,000 deaths
3.6 million emergency department visits 
1.2 million hospital stays 
Older adult falls result in about $80 billion in medical costs every year. 
Medicare shoulders 2/3 of these costs.
Broken hips are one of the most serious fall injuries.
It is hard to recover from a hip fracture. Many people are not able to live on their own afterwards.
Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.
Ways to prevent falls:

Talk with your healthcare provider about your fall risk:
Review medications
Screen for osteoporosis
Consider vitamin D supplement 
Exercise to improve your balance and strength
Have your eyes checked regularly
Make your home safer