Risk Factor - Falling and Getting Hurt

• More than 1/3 of Americans 65 and older fall each year and 10% of those falls result in serious injury.  Falls are the leading cause of death by accidental injury for people age 65 years and older.
  
  
• Over 50% of falls occur around the home and are the major reason older Americans lose their ability to live independently.
  
  
• Minnesota has the 3^rd highest death rate from unexpected falls in the country.  Falls are the leading cause of all emergency room visits in Minnesota hospitals.
  
  
• Vitamin D deficiency is common among older Minnesotans and can lead to falls.
  
  
• Falls can be caused by:  an on-going health issue, weak muscles, medication use, low blood pressure, poor eyesight, hazards around home, using a cane or walker the wrong way, and poor footwear especially for walking on ice or wet surfaces.
  
  
• Falls are not a normal part of getting older.  
  
  KEY TIP: You can reduce your chances of falling.
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