The first day of fall is also National Fall Prevention Awareness Day, which is a time to raise awareness of the critical issue of falls among older adults. National Fall Prevention Awareness Day is a time to focus on ways to prevent falls. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries. Falls can not only diminish one’s physical capacity, but can also impact one’s emotional well-being. Due to the importance of this issue, the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging in collaboration with Brooks Hospital Physical Therapy Department is holding a fall prevention event on Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is being held at the Fredonia Masonic Lodge, 321 E. Main St., Fredonia. The event is free and open to the public.

Sometimes we oversimplify the reason why people fall, but in fact there are many reasons for a fall such as weak leg muscles, poor balance, vision problems, dehydration or improper nutrition, medical conditions, depression, home hazards, low blood pressure or changes in blood pressure and more. For that reason, there will be experts from a variety fields at the event. Brooks Hospital Physical Therapy Department will be doing personalized falls assessments. Chautauqua County Office for the Aging, Registered Dieticians (RD), will offer information on fall prevention in regards to dehydration and proper nutrition. The RD’s will also be available to register anyone interested in their new, highly informative nutrition programs, which are being offered throughout the county and are currently being offered free of charge. There will also be exercise specialists from a variety of fields including Tai Chi, Yoga and the Healthy Bones program. The Lions Club will address the connection between vision and fall prevention and the Fredonia Fire Department will be doing free blood pressure checks. Although the event is focused primarily on fall prevention, the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services will address how to respond should a fall occur. Having a plan can greatly ease the stress of an already unfortunate situation.

The event is being held at the Fredonia Masonic Lodge, 321 E. Main St., Fredonia. The event is free and opened to the public. For additional information, contact NY Connects at 363-4582 or 753-4582 or 661-7582.