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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 30, 2006 - 25 Group wants to reduce falls by seniors By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER "Falls are one of the most costly and complex injury issues facing Every year over 600 seniors in seniors.." Report on seniors' falls by Public health Agency of Canada Halton are hospitalized because they have fallen, more often than not, in the familiar surroundings of their homes. As a result, these accidents often lead to drastic life-changes. According to statistics gathered by the Public Health Agency of Canada, five to 25 per cent of all seniors age 65 and older who fall, suffer a serious injury such as a fracture or a sprain. The December 2005 report also states that falls cause more than 90 per cent of all hip fractures in seniors. This type of injury becomes immediately life-threatening. Twenty per cent of those with a hip fracture die within a year. Falls also prompt many elderly people to enter into nursing care. In fact, 40 per cent of all admissions into supervised homes occur as a result of a fall. The impact of a fall is also emotional. When a senior citizen falls, their confidence in their abilities diminishes, as does their level of activity, which can lead to poor health. The effects of a fall also extend beyond the senior citizen's life. It impacts family and friends and health care, in general. "Falls are one of the most costly and complex injury issues facing seniors," states the agency's groundbreaking Report on Seniors' Falls in Canada. The study concludes that a 20 per cent reduction in falls would translate into an estimated 7,500 fewer hospitalizations in Canada and 1,800 fewer permanently disabled seniors. Plus, the overall national savings could amount to $138 million annually. With this in mind, local professionals and seniors in Halton have gathered together to find ways to diminish these statistics. Since January, members of the Halton Region Fall Prevention Workgroup have met every other month to brainstorm ways of preventing falls in the community. Members have collaborated with local agencies to create messages that aren't ageist. The federal report states that falls are the second leading cause, after motor vehicle collisions, of injuryrelated hospitalizations for all ages. The workgroup is interested in adopting a 10-week program piloted in Kawartha Lakes where seniors teach seniors exercises and prevention during two-hour weekly classes, said the regional health department's Cathy Dykeman. "The key to the program is to empower seniors," she added. Two videos and a trainer's manual have been created. Designed by physiotherapists, Tai Chi and fitness instructors, the video teaches seniors safe and gentle exercises. By becoming stronger, more flexible and gaining better balance, it's believed the risk of falls can be reduced. An accompanying education video offers tips on home safety, such as using grab bars, rubber bath mats and using a night light. Canes, walkers, non-slip boots, shoes and slippers are also advised and seniors are urged to take their time moving about. Increased energy, heart rate levels, well-being and the ability to stay home longer are added benefits to the program. The next meeting of the Halton Region Fall Prevention Workgroup is Nov. 3, from 10:30 a.m to noon at regional headquarters. More members are welcome to attend. Contact Cathy.Dykeman@halton.ca for more information. Whole Foods Market has gift packs for new parents Whole Foods Market Oakville is giving new parents a special gift. Every new mom delivering at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital will receive personalized gift bags filled with products, gifts and educational materials; an estimated value of $50 each pack. To help facilitate this endeavor, Whole Foods Market has collaborated with Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. The hospital estimates that on average there are 7-10 babies born per day, so more than 300 families will receive a gift pack during the one-month program. The gift bags will contain items tailored to mom, baby and even dad. Family Chiropractor/ Acupuncturist On Sunday, Nov. 5, the Canadian Cancer Society Oakville Unit is set to launch its newest event, Taking Steps Against Breast Alliance Healthcare Cancer, at Oakville Place Mall. Professionals The event celebrates its fifth year in Canada and gains support with each year. Oakville has proudly adopted Taking Steps Dr. Jenna Davis Against Breast Cancer and will Specializes in: be counted among 34 other communities participating · ADD/ADHD · Pediatrics across Ontario, a number that · Headaches/Migraines · Pre and Postnatal Care is sure to rise in the future. · Naturally Turning Breech Babies · Fertility Issues Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer is a leisurely, non-comWellness care for the entire family! petitive, five-kilometre fundraising walk designed for people of all ages and all fitness levels. It's a chance for families, friends, and Please check our website for the community to rally together and make a difference in the upcoming events and workshops! fight against breast cancer. 232 South Service Rd. E, Oakville, ON L6J 2X5 The event launches at 7:30 a.m. with registration and a light www.alliancehealthcare.ca breakfast for participants, courtesy of Tim Hortons. At 8:45 a.m., the opening ceremonies, hosted by Wave 94.7 FM's Vickie Van Dyke, will take place CALL THESE PROFESSIONALS in centre court. A special survivor recognition ceremony will honour those who GALL & ASSOCIATES have faced and overcome breast cancer. At 9 a.m., participants will lace up their OPTOMETRISTS sneakers and take to Oakville Place's indoor track for the 5-kilometre walk. A one-kilometre Family Fun Walk will encourage young children to follow in their parents' footsteps in helping to find a cure. Comprehensive Eye Exams New Patients Welcome Register for Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer today by visiting www.canLaser Vision Care 247 North Service Rd. W. cer.ca or by calling the Oakville Unit at (905) 845-5231. Contact Lenses & Glasses Suite 203 You will only walk a few kilometres, but there is no limit to how far you will be moved. Every step brings us closer to finding a cure. -- Submitted by Christine Moffatt, Dr. Ronald Gall Dr. Susan Che Fundraising Coordinator, Canadian AT DORVAL DRIVE Cancer Society,Oakville Unit Making a difference Dr. Jenna Davis Anxiety & Depression are serious and treatable conditions. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) provides a short-term treatment that is as effective as medication. CBT gives people the skills that they need to manage Depression and Anxiety. For additional information contact: Dr. Ian Shulman, Psychologist 466 Speers Rd., 3rd Floor Oakville, ON L6K 3W9 905.849.1288 www.shiftct.com 905.845.2291 Cognitive Therapy Improve your Quality of Life with Better Hearing CALL US TODAY! 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