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Falls are a serious problem in Lee County. Falls are the most common cause of accidents in people over 65 years of age and the leading cause death to the injury. In fact, 94 people died in Lee County in 2008 due to falls. People living with orthopaedic conditions are especially at risk of falls and fall-related injuries.

The Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition is stepping up to help residents and their loved ones prevent falls and fall-related injuries and deaths through a community-wide campaign, appropriately named “Step WiseLee.”

Step Up and Do Your Part
Falls are not a normal part of aging. But according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they are more common among the elderly population and the leading cause of injury deaths. Hip fractures and head traumas are the most serious injuries resulting from falls. The CDC recommends taking the following steps to reduce the risk of falls:
• Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or non-stick pads under rugs
• Eliminate clutter in walkways such as cords, wires, shoes, clothes, books, etc.
• Keep items you regularly use within reach and stored safely in cabinets and drawers
• Have grab bars installed in showers, bathtubs, next to toilets and in hallways
• Use non-slip mats in bathtubs and shower floors
• Have handrails and lights installed on staircases
• Add nightlights in bathrooms and hallways
• Wear shoes both inside and outside the house and avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers
• Schedule an appointment annually to have your vision checked
• Encourage seniors to participate in regular exercise such as walking or water aerobics to maintain balance and muscle tone
• Have health care provider review medications

By working together, we can reduce the number of falls and fall-related injuries and deaths in Lee County. For more information, visit www.StepWiseLee.com.

Falls are a serious problem in Lee County. Falls are the most common cause of accidents in people over 65 years of age and the leading cause death to the injury. In fact, 94 people died in Lee County in 2008 due to falls. People living with orthopaedic conditions are especially at risk of falls and fall-related injuries.

The Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition is stepping up to help residents and their loved ones prevent falls and fall-related injuries and deaths through a community-wide campaign, appropriately named “Step WiseLee.”

Step Up and Do Your Part

Falls are not a normal part of aging. But according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they are more common among the elderly population and the leading cause of injury deaths. Hip fractures and head traumas are the most serious injuries resulting from falls. The CDC recommends taking the following steps to reduce the risk of falls:

• Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or non-stick pads under rugs
• Eliminate clutter in walkways such as cords, wires, shoes, clothes, books, etc.
• Keep items you regularly use within reach and stored safely in cabinets and drawers
• Have grab bars installed in showers, bathtubs, next to toilets and in hallways
• Use non-slip mats in bathtubs and shower floors
• Have handrails and lights installed on staircases
• Add nightlights in bathrooms and hallways
• Wear shoes both inside and outside the house and avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers
• Schedule an appointment annually to have your vision checked
• Encourage seniors to participate in regular exercise such as walking or water aerobics to maintain balance and muscle tone
• Have health care provider review medications

By working together, we can reduce the number of falls and fall-related injuries and deaths in Lee County. For more information, visit www.StepWiseLee.com.