Free Screenings for Fall Risk at State Fair
State Agencies Teaming up to Raise Awareness about Adult Falls
Governor Susana Martinez, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico Adult Fall Prevention Coalition, the Healthy Aging Collaborative, and Aging and Long Term Services Department, are working together to raise awareness that older adult falls are not a normal part of aging and many falls are preventable.
The New Mexico Adult Fall Prevention Coalition will be conducting free fall risk screenings at Albuquerque’s Expo New Mexico on Monday, September 15, 2014 @ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, as part of Seniors’ Celebration Day at the New Mexico State Fair. The screenings will include balance and strength testing, medication review, blood pressure testing for postural hypotension, as well as education about fall risk factors, nutrition, and home safety. Admission for the day will be $1.00.
“Studies show a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls in the older adult population,” said Aging and Long Term Services Department Secretary Gino Rinaldi. “Experts recommend physical activity with balance, strength training, and flexibility components; consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment; having medications reviewed periodically; getting eyes checked annually; and making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.”
Governor Martinez has declared Tuesday, September 23rd New Mexico Fall Prevention Awareness Day in conjunction with National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, with this year’s theme being “Strong Today, Falls Free® Tomorrow”.
“New Mexico ranks third in the country for the fall-related death rate among older citizens,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. “Seniors’ Celebration Day at the Fair will be a good way to increase awareness and help people make changes to reduce their risk of falling. We are happy to be partnering with New Mexico’s Adult Fall Prevention Coalition for this event.”
Nationwide, falls are the leading cause of injury death for older Americans. According to the National Council on Aging, falls result in more than 2.4 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 772,000 hospitalizations and more than 21,700 deaths.
For more information visit the New Mexico Adult Fall Prevention Coalition (NMAFPC) website.
Event Details
300 San Pedro Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108505-222-9700 Phone
The New Mexico Adult Fall Prevention Coalition will be conducting free fall risk screenings as part of Seniors' Celebration Day at the New Mexico State Fair. The screenings will include balance and strength testing, medication review, blood pressure testing for postural hypotension, as well as education about fall risk factors, nutrition, and home safety.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Kenny Vigil at 505-841-5871 (Office) or 505-470-2290 (Mobile) with your questions.
Versión en Español
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.
Proyecciones Gratuitas sobre los Riesgos de Caídas en la Feria del Estado