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Fall prevention is focus of Senior Day at Walgreens stores

Nationwide, Tuesday, February 6

information provided by Walgreens

DEERFIELD, Ill. (January 30, 2018) – To reduce risk of injury from tripping and falling, Walgreens will offer prevention tips and advice when it hosts a Senior Day at its stores nationwide on Tuesday, February 6. Falls are the leading cause of serious and even fatal injuries among adults age 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to encouraging customers to talk to pharmacy staff about fall injury prevention, Walgreens stores will have informational materials available, including a CDC screening tool that can help the user measure their fall risk. The tool asks questions such as whether they have fallen in the past year or take medications that make them feel light-headed or drowsy.

Rina Shah, vice president of pharmacy operations for Walgreens, said, “With our Walgreens presence in communities throughout America, and our trusted relationship with customers, we have a great opportunity to help older adults and caregivers make homes and other environments safer and avoid injuries from slips and falls. These injuries are often highly preventable and education is the key to prevention.”

Many factors associated with aging can elevate the risk of falling, a risk that continues to increase with age, according to CDC’s STEADI program, Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries. These risks include:

  • Diminished eyesight from conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts
  • Medications that can make an individual dizzy or drowsy, including some over-the-counter medicines
  • Vitamin D deficiency that can affect bone, muscle and nerve health
  • Poor balance

According to the CDC, more than 1-in-4 older adults suffers from a fall each year. To reduce risk, experts encourage preventive measures such as bathroom grab bars, adequate stair and passageway lighting, exercises to improve balance, and a home environment uncluttered by items that a person can trip over.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com) has been a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day.

The Lansing Walgreens stores are located at:

  • 18133 Torrence Avenue, 708-889-0130 (open until 10:00pm)
  • 3564 Ridge Road, 708-895-7937 (open 24 hours)

 

Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.