Event Focused on Preventing Falls Set for Sept. 22

UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL EVENT IN MADISON HEIGHTS FOR OLDER AMERICANS AIMED AT HELPING PREVENT FALLS AND IMPROVE HEARING HEALTH

• Event features free hearing and blood pressure screenings, balance training, and information about ways to improve hearing health and prevent falls 
• Falls are the most common fatal and nonfatal injury among older Americans; new research shows people with even mild hearing loss have a great risk of falling
• Hosted by hi HealthInnovations and Accredited Home Care

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich.  – hi HealthInnovations and Accredited Home Care will host an event in Madison Heights aimed at educating older Michiganders on how to prevent falls and improve their hearing health. The event is scheduled before National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, held annually on the first day of Fall (Sunday, Sept. 22).

The community event is open to anyone and will feature free hearing and blood pressure screenings, balance training and exercises to improve coordination, and additional tips to help prevent and treat hearing loss. The event in Madison Heights will be held Friday, Sept. 20, from 10 am to noon  at the Madison Heights Senior Center, 29448 John R Rd., Madison Heights, 48071.

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people 65 and older. Among people with mild hearing loss, falls are nearly three times more likely, according to a 2012 study by Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

“When people can’t hear well, they may be unaware of their surroundings and often struggle to maintain proper balance, increasing the chance of tripping and falling,” said Diane Nens, audiologist for hi HealthInnovations of Michigan. “There are many important steps older Americans can take to reduce their risk of falling, and we encourage area seniors to attend and learn how to improve their hearing health and prevent falls.”

Here are some ways to reduce the risk of falling:

·         Exercise regularly and incorporate balance, strength training and flexibility components. Check with local community or senior centers, which often offer programs such as A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi and Stepping On.

·         Review your medicines with your health care provider – some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy.

·         Have your vision checked at least once a year, as poor vision can worsen your risk.

·         Have your hearing tested annually, and use hearing aids when recommended.

·         “Fall proof” your home, where six out of 10 falls occur. Important steps to take include improving lighting, installing handrails, and moving items to make them more accessible. 

About hi HealthInnovations

hi HealthInnovations offers custom-programmed, digital hearing aids at significant discounts to the 48 million U.S. consumers with hearing loss. These innovative devices are delivered through a national staff and network of audiologists and hearing health professionals who provide hearing tests, fittings, seminars and counseling online, by phone and in person. hi HealthInnovationsis an Optum business and part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making health care work better.