New Website Helps Seniors Prevent Falls

January 17, 2014

Huron County, ON – Falls are the leading cause of serious injuries in older adults. Every year, one in three older adults will fall. In 2012 in Huron County, there were over 800 fall-related Emergency room visits for those 65 and older.

Now, a new Ontario website, www.findingbalanceontario.ca, is aimed at helping seniors prevent falls.

Finding Balance shows seniors and their families ways to prevent a fall from happening, including ways to:

  • improve health and fitness
  • make the home safer
  • review medications
  • speak up about dizziness

“Seniors contribute so much to our families and communities,” says Laura Armstrong, Public Health Promoter with the Huron County Health Unit. “An injury from a fall can have serious negative effects on the lifestyle and activities of an older person. The Finding Balance website is aimed at helping seniors stay active and independent.”

The Huron County Health Unit and ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services are working together to promote the website and educate older adults on how to prevent falls. ONE CARE helps older adults maintain their health and wellness with a number of services like exercise and falls prevention classes, foot care clinics, meal programs and home care. To learn more about OneCare’s services, phone 1.877.502.8277 or visit www.onecaresupport.ca.

Finding Balance was originally developed at the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health, but has been adapted for use in Ontario. Finding Balance has an Advisory Committee of health care professionals from all over Southwestern Ontario, including the Huron County Health Unit.

To learn more, please visit www.findingbalanceontario.ca.

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Creating Health Communities Together…

For more information contact:
Our media contact is:
Barbara Leavitt, Communications Co-ordinator, 519.482.3416 ext. 2289
Our spokesperson is:
Laura Armstrong, Public Health Promoter

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For more information contact:

Susan Cronin, County Clerk
519.524.8394 (ext 3257)
scronin@huroncounty.ca