The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Shepherd Center are going to host Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Friday, September 25 at the Shepherd Center. They will provide free health screenings, fall risk assessments and fall prevention demonstrations, along with a free lunch for the audience. The event is free and open to the public.

September 25 is the 8th Annual National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Take a Stand to Prevent Falls is the theme this year. Among adults of 65 years of age and older, falls are the main cause of both fatal and non-fatal injury.

Recent studies have suggested that falls may lead to some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. However, falls are not an unavoidable part of aging.

The event is planned in a way that it is going to be interactive and fun. Critical information will be provided to elderly individuals, their families and caretakers

The day will be focusing on health screenings which can play a part in falls, said Elizabeth Head, of the Injury Prevention Program at Georgia Department of Public Health. The screenings are going to include vision and hearing screenings. They will also include blood pressure/blood sugar screenings, bone density, and falls risk assessments performed by physical therapists.

There will be vendors also to provide demonstrations on group activity programs planned to reduce fall risk. Tai Chi - exercise programs, including Tai Chi that can increase strength and improve balance, making falls much less likely, will be part of the event.