Falls and Injury Prevention

Falls Prevention

About every 10 minutes in Ontario, at least one older adult (those over 65 years of age) visits an emergency department due to a fall.  In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults.

Although these  facts are scary, the good news is, you can take steps to prevent a fall:

• Watch your step wherever you are.
• Speak up about dizziness. Tell your doctor and take action.
• Keep active and exercise for strength and balance.
• Check your medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications.

For more information on falls prevention, visit the Finding Balance Ontario [1] website. Their website includes information on how to prevent falls and provides resources for professionals working in falls prevention.

Falls Prevention Clinic

The Falls Prevention Clinic is a free screening that will assess what may be putting you at risk for falls, educate you on how to reduce your risk of falling and connect you to community programs and health services. 

Following your visit, you will receive a plan to lower your risk of falling

You should come to a clinic if you:

• Are 60 years of age or older
• Want to remain independent
• Have had a fall, or a near fall
• Have a fear of falling
• Want to maintain or improve your balance

Clinics are held once a month throughout the Windsor Essex.   To learn contact the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, by calling 519 997 2823 ext. 417 or email PreventFalls@wechc.org [2].

Injury Prevention

By definition, an accident is an act of fate: an unpredictable event that could not be avoided.

Most crashes, collisions, injuries, and incidents are predictable and preventable and therefore, by definition, are not accidents.

Using the word accident to describe these examples is misleading:

• An injury due to not wearing a helmet.
• A car crash due to texting while driving.
• A trip, slip, or fall due to items on the stairs.

These incidents are not accidents. They are predictable and can be prevented.

For more information, visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's website [3] to learn key information on road safety.