Huron County, ON – Staying active as you age maintains strength and balance, which is why dancing is one way to prevent falls!
November is Fall Prevention month, and the Health Unit, along with the Huron-Perth Stepping Out Safely network, encourages residents to try some toe-tapping this month.
“Falls are the number one cause of injury in Huron County, and can lead to fractures, chronic pain, or loss of independence,” says Alycia Kelly, Public Health Promoter. “Falls are not a normal part of aging and can be prevented.”
“Staying active as you age maintains strength and balance, which helps prevent falls,” says Kelly, who is also co-chair of Huron-Perth Stepping Out Safely. “Dancing is a great way to stay active as well as meet new people and have fun.”
There are a variety of activities happening in Huron County that include dance. Check your local event listings on the radio, newspaper, or community bulletin to find out what’s happening in your area.
It can also be as simple as turning on some music at home and moving to the beat. Make sure you have a safe space to dance by following these tips:
- Wear proper footwear
- Use your assistive devices (if needed)
- Have good lighting
- Make sure the space is clear from any tripping hazards. Before you “cut a rug”, remove any actual area rugs / scatter mats or tape down the edges.
Huron-Perth Stepping Out Safely is a network of organizations across Huron and Perth counties working together to prevent falls and fall-related injuries in older adults.
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