American Bone Health calls on people of all ages across the United States to learn their risk factors and take action to prevent falls and broken bones during Falls Prevention Awareness Week, which this year takes place Sept. 19-23. This observance is organized by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
According to the NCOA, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. Almost 30% of Americans 65 and older fall, resulting in about 36 million falls each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not only older Americans are at risk of falling. Falls were the leading cause of unintentional nonfatal emergency department visits among all age groups between 2000-2020, according to data produced by the CDC’s National Center for Injury Control and Prevention and Control.
American Bone Health recommends the following resources:
- The NCOA’s Fall Free CheckUp: This easy-to-use online tool assesses your risk of falling so you can take action, such as discussing the results with your health care provider and incorporating everyday fall prevention tips.
- The NCOA’s publication “Get the Facts on Osteoporosis, Falls, and Broken Bones” includes a link to the American Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator™. The Fracture Risk Calculator, which is designed for adults 45 and older, asks a series of questions to estimate your risk of breaking a bone in the next 10 years. If your risk is moderate or high, you should consider taking steps to prevent falls, including fall-proofing your home and working on your balance. For younger people, American Bone Health’s new Bone Health Quiz sheds light on your fracture risk factors so you can be proactive about protecting your bones. Learn more about the quiz in the item below.
- American Bone Health presents Stepping Out Strong™ virtual live events Monday, Sept. 19, and Wednesday, Sept. 20. Our signature program teaches exercises to improve balance, strength and flexibility so you can move with confidence.
- Monday, Sept. 19 (hosted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Register here.
- Wednesday, Oct. 19: Register here.
“American Bone Health teaches that preventing falls is a great way to prevent fractures,” says Cheryl Hostinak, Executive Director of American Bone Health. “Someone who is more likely to fall is more likely to break a bone than someone who doesn’t fall, regardless of other risk factors. American Bone Health is proud to work alongside organizations like the National Council on Aging to amplify the message of fall prevention and to provide resources to help people take action to prevent falls and protect themselves from broken bones.”
About American Bone Health
American Bone Health is a national, community-based organization that teaches people how to build and keep strong and healthy bones for life with practical and up-to-date information and resources to inspire them to prevent bone loss, osteoporosis and fractures. Learn more at AmericanBoneHealth.org.
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