Orthopaedic surgeons in the United States have launched a falls prevention campaign to encourage a proactive approach to falls prevention and empower older people to maintain active and independent lifestyles free of injury and pain.
Designed for older people and their caregivers, the campaign, run by The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), in partnership with the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), features a Falls Awareness and Prevention Guide that provides tips to fall-proof areas of the home.
In addition to recommendations on making the home safer, the guide also addresses:
- Lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy and staying physically active, that encourage maintaining strong bones and reduce the risk of a fall-related injury
- Medical factors such as osteoporosis, arthritis and vision or hearing loss that increase the risk of a fall-related injury
- Risk factors such as inadequate footwear and excessive alcohol consumption that increase the likelihood of a fall
- How to contact a friend, relative or emergency service in the event of a fall; and
- How to get up from a fall safely without causing further injury.
Other campaign resources available on the Home Safety is Bone Safety website include a video and radio announcements about the dangers of falling and the importance of keeping your home safe.
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