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Elmbridge Community Support Services-Health Promotion & Accident Prevention.
|National Falls Awareness takes place in June each year. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the causes of falls among older people including highlighting hazards around the home and to promote the benefits of physical activity.
Falls among older people are very common and many of these falls can easily be prevented with increased awareness of the hazards around the home. Falls can be due to many things including:
Regular physical activity such as walking, light gardening and keep fit classes can help improve poor balance. T'ai Chi has also been shown to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, see exercise for people over 50 around Elmbridge.
Remember if you are new to physical activity speak to your GP first, start gently, progress slowly and listen to your body.
Restricting your activity after a previous fall or fear of falling may increase the chances of another fall. Please contact one of the Centres for Retired People around the borough to find out more about exercise programmes on offer.
The Department of Trade and Industry have produced a leaflet called |Avoiding Slips Trips and Broken Hips that provides more information on preventing falls in the home and staying independent.
For more information on falls prevention please contact |Community Support Services