Free Event Marks 'No Falls Day'

 Gerber Memorial to host 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 2017. Gerber Memorial’s expo will be held Wednesday, September 20, and Friday, September 22 – the official No Falls Day nationwide – in the main lobby of the hospital 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days.

The free event will also feature free giveaways, including free no-slip socks 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.

“Gerber Memorial is excited to be part of a national effort to raise awareness about falls and share useful information to reduce its incidence, especially preventive and proactive steps we can all take to minimize falls,” said Susie Gatrell, RN, and organizer of the expo. “For older Americans, falls are the leading cause of injuries and death, threatening their independence, safety and even personal finances. Our expo and the health professionals who’ll be part of it will show how seniors and their families can take steps to make adjustments to reduce falls and help promote greater safety.”

Attendees of the expo will also be eligible for raffles and free gifts.

​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. Falls also cost families more than $34 billion a year, the CDC reports.