Southampton, New York—Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is holding “A Matter of Balance” the award-winning program that educates on preventing falls and increasing activity levels among those 65 years and older. This free 8-week program will meet Wednesdays from 9−11 am, October 2 through November 20 at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Ed and Phyllis Davis Wellness Institute (240 Meeting House Lane, 3rd Floor). Registration is required at (631) 726-8800.
“Learning how to prevent falls among our older adult community can result in averting critical injuries and fatalities,” said Sarah Cohen, Special Programs Manager at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. “All older adults, especially those with a history of falls and/or with mobility or balance problems, should be encouraged to seek an individual fall risk assessment from their health care providers.”
The rate of fall-related deaths among older adults in the United States has been rising steadily over the past decade. The CDC reports that every year, one in three older adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall, and people who fall once are two to three times more likely to fall again. Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among older adults. One out of ten falls causes a serious injury, such as a hip fracture or head injury, which requires hospitalization. In addition to the physical and emotional pain, many people need to spend at least a year recovering in a long-term care facility. Some are never able to live independently again. Falls can also be deadly. Approximately, 25,000 older adults die as a result of a fall each year. Medical issues such as muscle weakness or balance problems; medication side effects; chronic health conditions, such as arthritis and stroke; vision changes and vision loss; inactivity; and alcohol usage can put older adults at risk for a serious fall.
To help prevent accidents use a secure step stool instead of standing on a chair; remove clutter and tripping hazards; install good lighting, stair railings, and grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower. These and other tips will be offered throughout the program.
About Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
Staffed by more than 280 physicians, dentists, and allied health professionals representing 48 medical specialties, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is a campus of Stony Brook University Hospital, and offers a diverse array of clinical services, ranging from primary medical care to specialized surgical procedures, including orthopedics and bariatrics. The sole provider of emergency care on Long Island’s South Fork, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is a provisional Level III adult Trauma Center. The hospital includes The Phillips Family Cancer Center, a Heart and Stroke Center, Breast Health Center, The Center for Advanced Wound Healing, and 32 satellite care centers throughout the South Fork of Long Island. The hospital is the largest employer on the South Fork with more than 1,200 employees.
About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. NCOA empowers individuals with trusted solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and protects and strengthens federal programs that people depend on as they age. Working with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA’s goal is to improve the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020. Learn more at ncoa.org