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Fall prevention is focus of Senior Day at Walgreens stores nationwide

Tuesday, August 7

information provided by Walgreens

DEERFIELD, Ill. (August 2, 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, August 7. Each year, one in four people age 65 and older falls, and 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries, 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 checklist that can help older adults measure their risk of falling. The tool asks questions such as whether a person has fallen in the past year or if they take medications that may cause drowsiness.

Rina Shah, vice president of pharmacy operations for Walgreens, said, “With Walgreens’ presence in communities nationwide, 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 can be the key to prevention.”

Walgreens began promoting fall prevention education in its stores in 2016.

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:

  • Lower body weakness
  • Vitamin D deficiency that can affect bone, muscle, and nerve health
  • Difficulties with walking or balance
  • Medications, including tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants, and even some over-the-counter medicines
  • Vision problems, including those from conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts
  • Foot pain or poor footwear
  • Home hazards such as steps, throw rugs, clutter, or other trip hazards

About Walgreens

Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. As of June 28, 2018, Walgreens operates approximately 9,800 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

The Lansing Walgreens stores are located at 18133 Torrence Avenue and 3564 Ridge Road.

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.