Falling is a leading cause of unintentional injuries in Grey Bruce and leads to 29 deaths every year.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit says each year, over 8600 people visit the emergency department due to injuries from a fall, and 743 residents are hospitalized as a result.
In Grey Bruce, the rate of emergency department visits for falls is 42 per cent higher and the hospitalization rate is 48% higher than the overall Ontario rates.
The risk of falling and injury increases as people get older with an estimated one in three older adults falling each year.
Health Promoter at the Grey Bruce Health Unit Amber Schieck, says people can help prevent falls by keeping active, ensuring safety around the home, wearing proper footwear, and having your vision checked.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit, the Grey Bruce Fall Prevention and Intervention Program and many community partners are working to raise awareness and to prevent falls and fall-related injuries.
