David Y. Ige News Release: The Hawaii Department of Health continues a statewide campaign to reduce Kupuna fall injuries.

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) continues its massive statewide fall prevention awareness campaign in September, offering several interactive and educational opportunities for kupuna and their families. Kupuna and their families are encouraged to participate in Tai Chi classes, free drug assessments for kupuna, home safety workshops and community presentations.

“Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older. Many falls and falls are preventable with existing knowledge and equipment,” said Dr. Alvin Bronstein, Chief, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch. They are, and our coupons encourage you to use these resources to prevent fall-related injuries.”

In Hawaii, unintentional falls account for 144 deaths, 2,251 hospitalizations, and 10,046 emergency room visits. Falls are more likely to affect those over 65. More than $223 million in hospital and physician claims resulted from fall-related injuries in Hawaii in 2021.

Falls can be prevented by:

• having your doctor or pharmacist review your medicines every year;
• Have an annual eye exam;
• Access to a personal electronic security device, especially if you live alone;
• Making your home safer by removing fall hazards, especially carpets and obstacles such as boxes, piles of paper or furniture, and improving lighting.
• Exercise regularly to increase balance and flexibility.

The DOH and Hawaii Fall Prevention Coalition are sponsoring events in partnership with Tai Chi Institute for Health, Times and KTA Pharmacies, Hawaii State Public Library and City Mill.

“Old age is not for the faint of heart” Fall Prevention Presentations

This award-winning presentation will continue with six presentations at various locations around Oahu and at the Oahu Public Library throughout the month of September. Click here for a list of upcoming presentations.

The Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch (EMSIPSB) will schedule additional presentations based on community COVID-19 capacity. Call 808-733-9202 to find out when and where the next event will be.

Drug reviews by Times and KTA pharmacies

Times and KTA Pharmacies are providing drug reviews, which are important to all kupuna who take both drugs and prescriptions. Medication can be mistakenly mixed with others and contribute to dizziness. Pharmacists are encouraged to book an appointment so that they have a convenient time to complete the assessment.

Tai Chi for Arthritis/Fall Prevention classes and instructor workshops

The O’ahu YMCA’s Tai Chi for Arthritis/Fall Prevention (TCAFP) classes are approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Council on Aging to improve balance. A teacher workshop is being offered for recertification in TCAFP. For information call 808-733-9202 or go to https://health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/preventing-falls/tai-chi/.

The Hawaii Fall Prevention Consortium was established in 2003 with support and leadership from the DOH Injury Prevention and Control Program. The coalition includes government agencies, professional associations, non-profit organizations, hospitals, nursing homes and senior organizations.

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Media Contacts:

Stan Michael

Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Branch

Phone: (808) 733-9202

Email: [email protected]

Jackson Wong

Communication Office

Phone: (808) 586-4407

Email: [email protected]