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

PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 18-24, 2011, 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; and 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, during calendar 2010, more than 5,520 San Mateo County residents over the age of 65 required emergency medical care or hospitalization because of a fall; this was 6 percent of the county’s over-65 population; and

   

WHEREAS, in San Mateo County, for the five-year period 2006-2010, the average cost for a hospitalization due to a fall for those age 65 or older, exceeded $80,200; 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 19-25, 2011, 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 13, 2011

   
 

SUPERVISORS:

 
   

CAROLE GROOM, PRESIDENT

   

DAVE PINE

   


DON HORSLEY

   


ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

   


ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

     
     

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors