Before The Fall

Gerber Memorial to host free expo on reducing dangerous falls that put seniors at risk

FREMONT – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is hosting an informational expo to highlight ways people can prevent falls that often lead to injuries and even death as part of No Falls Day 2018.
​Gerber Memorial’s expo will be held Tuesday, September 18, and Thursday, September 20 in the main lobby of the hospital 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days. National No-Falls Day 2018 officially falls on September 22. New this year are demonstrations of tai chi, which are exercises and movements designed to improve balance.

The free event will also feature free giveaways, including free no-slip bath strips and night lights to the first 100 people to show up. In addition, attendees will also get free information from Gerber Memorial’s pharmacy team about medications that can contribute to falls, as well as free blood pressure screenings. Physical therapists and visiting nurses will be on hand to provide additional information and resources.

The tai chi sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday September 18: 10:15 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.; and 11:15 a.m.
• Thursday September 20:  10:15 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.; 11:45 a.m.; and 12:30 p.m.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls affect one in four Americans 65 and older, and older Americans die from falls every 19 minutes, making falls the leading cause of fatal injury – more than 27,000 deaths a year – and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.