Alberta Blue Cross sponsoring Finding Balance campaign to bring awareness to the risk of falls

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on November 5, 2024.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Alberta Blue Cross has partnered with the Alberta Injury Prevention Centre for the annual Finding Balance campaign, which aims to raise awareness of how to prevent injuries for Fall Prevention Awareness Month.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and the older people are, the greater the risk of falling becomes.

“Our bodies naturally change with age, and these changes affect the way we feel and move,” said Alberta Blue Cross, which has assumed an active role in promoting injury prevention by sponsoring the campaign.

The risk of falls is also significantly increased during the winter, as snow and ice can create slipping and tripping hazards on otherwise safe walkways.

“With the arrival of winter, the streets, sidewalks and steps we use daily become ice-coated obstacle courses,” says Brian Geislinger, senior vice-president of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement with Alberta Blue Cross. “With this in mind, we encourage everyone – particularly older adults – to take precautions to prevent falls and stay safe.”

Every year, 1 in 3 older Albertans will fall, but simple tips such for navigating slick surfaces can make all the difference. Alberta Blue Cross recommends wearing shoes or boots with a wide, flat heel, with soles that will stay flexible in cold temperatures, that have the right amount of grip for you.

Removable grips can be used on other shoes, but this should be removed indoors as they can paradoxically be slippery. Those who use canes should equip them with a retractable ice pick, and everyone should aim to keep their hands free for handrails where applicable.

“Falls are something many of us experience in our lives and can have a significant impact on the lifestyle and independence of an older adult,” adds Kathy Belton, director of the Injury Prevention Centre. “It’s important to bring attention and awareness to falls prevention to empower older adults to stay independent and prevent falls.”

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