Falls Prevention Awareness Week Observed at Capitol

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

The Texas Falls Prevention Coalition kicked off the observance of Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2009 with a press conference in Austin at the Capitol. This observance is in response to the passage of House Bill 703 that Representative Patrick Rose and Senator Jane Nelson sponsored in the 81st Legislative Session. This is a milestone in getting the word out about falls prevention awareness to Texans.

In attendance at the press conference were individuals from the community, coalition members, and invited guests. Representative Patrick Rose, Jim Hine, former Commissioner of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, and Carlos Higgins, Texas Silver-Haired Legislator, spoke on the importance of making Texans aware of the consequences of falls and the importance of prevention. Each speaker provided startling statistics on the price we pay nationally and as a state for hospitalizations due to falls. One alarming statistic highlighted is that in 2007, approximately $1.9 billion was spent in Texas for fall-related hospitalizations for adults over the age of 50 years.

The press conference was a great beginning for this important week. Each day of Falls Prevention Awareness week focused on a specific topic which included increasing physical activity, home safety, falls prevention classes, information for caregivers, and medication management. Following the press conference, Linda Gibson and two of her colleagues demonstrated a form of Tai Chi on the south steps of the Capitol. Tai Chi is one of many physical activities that can increase balance to help prevent falls.

The Capitol press conference was one of many successful activities conducted around the state of Texas during this first Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

Pictured from left to right at the Capitol – Vicki Parsons, Reuben Parrish, Jim Hine, Rep. Patrick Rose, Penny Redington, Glenda Rogers, Carlos Higgins

Article courtesy of Capital Area Councils of Governments, www.capcog.org