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Get help avoiding slips and trips on Falls Awareness Day
Older people will be able to get advice and practical help avoiding falls at Paulsgrove Healthy Living Centre on Falls Awareness Day (Tuesday, 24 June 2008).
Although falls affect more than 11,000 people in Portsmouth every year, they are not an inevitable part of growing older and there are plenty of practical steps that can be taken to help avoid those slips and trips.
Councillor Leo Madden, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Falls are not an inevitable part of growing older. It is never too late to take practical steps to reduce your risk of having a fall, and we hope lots of older people will come along to the Paulsgrove Healthy Living Centre next week and find out more.”
Specialists including a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a social worker and a podiatrist will be there to offer help and advice. Visitors will be able to check out equipment that can make life easier for older people, and find out about the difference simple things like sensible shoes can make.
“Staying steady on your feet as you get older is important to help you stay healthy, happy and living independently,” added Melody Chawner, the PCT’s Clinical Physiotherapy Specialist for Falls and Older People.
“If you have had a fall you may like to seek advice from a health professional such as a GP, physiotherapist or nurse as to why you have fallen and they may be able to advise you on how to prevent it happening again.
“It’s always important to remember that having a fall should not be regarded as a natural event as you get older. Often there are things that can be done to reduce your chances of falling again. The PCT is engaged in lots of active work to ensure that the right services are available for people who have had a fall.”
Staying fit and active is also important for older people who want to reduce their risk of falling, and those who come along will have the chance to try an over fifties exercise class, round the corner at Paulsgrove Community Centre at 11am and 2.30pm.
The Paulsgrove Healthy Living Centre will be open from 10am-4pm, there will be a talk on how to avoid falls at 2pm and the café will be offering free smoothies.
The falls awareness drop-in information day is being organised by Community Rehabilitation, a health and social care team that is funded by Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth City teaching Primary Care Trust.
