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Senior Falls Prevention Seminar Sept. 30

      Communications Director

      Kristin Farley
      [email protected]
      (865) 215-2589

      400 Main St., Room 691
      Knoxville, TN 37902

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      Senior Falls Prevention Seminar Sept. 30

      Posted: 09/17/2009
      Knox County Health Department (KCHD) and the Knox County Senior Safety Task Force will be hosting its second community-wide Senior Falls Prevention seminar on Wednesday, September 30, from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the John T. O'Connor Senior Center on 611 Winona Street in Knoxville. The theme of the seminar is SAIL - Stay Active and Independent for Life! The seminar is free and open to the public, but participants must register to reserve their spot by calling 865-541- 4500.

      This year's seminar includes a welcome by County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, video introduction by Dr. Bob Overholt and entertainment by the First Baptist Church of Concord Clown Troupe. Four mini-seminars will explain how medication management, vision, home safety, and balance and exercise are important to maintaining a good quality of life and to help prevent falls. A panel of experts will be available for participants to ask questions concerning fall prevention. Breakfast and lunch will be provided along with goody bags and door prizes. Task force members will have information booths for participants to visit. Sponsors are AmeriChoice by United Healthcare and Volunteer State Health.

      KCHD also will be introducing its new SAIL program, a balance and strength-building fitness program for adults age 65 and older. SAIL, which stands for Stay Active and Independent for Life, is proven to be effective in making seniors stronger and safer from falls and the resulting injuries. Knox County will have the first SAIL program in the state.

      Falls are the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Seventy-five percent of these falls occur in the older adult population. More than one of every three adults aged 65 and older falls each year, accounting for 13,000 fatalities and 1.8 million hospital visits annually. In 2003, the total direct cost for falls for this group was approximately $27.3 billion. By 2020, it is expected to reach $43.8 billion.

      Registration is required. Please sign up by Thursday, September 24, by calling 865-541-4500 to reserve your spot.
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