PROCLAMATION
   
   

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 21-28, 2008, AS

Fall Prevention Awareness Week

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WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one-third of all Americans age 65 and older will fall each year; among older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma; and

   

WHEREAS, in 2005, approximately 15,800 seniors age 65 and older died from injuries related to a fall; and approximately 1.8 million seniors age 65 and older visited hospital emergency rooms for fall-related, nonfatal injuries, with more than 430,000 hospitalized; and

   

WHEREAS, in California, more than a million seniors age 65 and older fall each year, with approximately 100,000 resulting in serious injuries or fatalities; and

   

WHEREAS, falls stem from a variety of factors, including age-related loss of strength, side effects of medication, reduced vision, chronic health conditions and unsafe physical surroundings; just the fear of falling can contribute to depression, isolation and loss of mobility and physical fitness, which can actually increase the risk of falls; and

   

WHEREAS, falls by older adults are preventable through, advocacy, education and certain lifestyle adjustments, such as appropriate exercise to improve strength and balance, regular eye exams, improved lighting in the home and removal of hazards in the home that could cause falls.

   

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County designates September 21-28, 2008, as Fall Prevention Awareness Week and encourages all residents of San Mateo County to work with family members and health care providers to identify and address the factors that could cause a fall-related injury for a loved one.

   

Dated: SEPTEMBER 16, 2008

 
 

SUPERVISORS:

 
     
   

ADRIENNE J. TISSIER, PRESIDENT

   

MARK CHURCH

   


JERRY HILL

   


RICHARD S. GORDON

   


ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

   
     

Attest:

__________________________________

 

Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors