Schools

Senior Health and Safety Program

The New Lenox Safe Communities America Coalition is proud to announce the kick-off to it Senior Health and Safety Program on May 18 at the New Lenox Village Hall Community Room from 11:30am-1:00pm.

Guests will be treated to a complimentary light lunch, a Tai Chi demonstration, and a Q&A session with representatives from the New Lenox Police Department, New Lenox Fire Protection District, AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Joliet Senior Services.

The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control notes these alarming statistics:

In 2009, 2.2 million non-fatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments. More than 581,000 of these patients were hospitalized;

Falls are the leading cause of injury death among people 65 years and older; 20-30 percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures and head traumas. Our new Senior Health and Safety Program focuses on the prevention of injuries associated with falls and will target three key components:

Education: Utilize local resources to educate the public on fall prevention, nutrition for health and stability, and other related topics.

Physical Activity: Introduce Tai Chi classes for seniors and those with balance challenges. Tai Chi has been shown to improve balance, strength, and flexibility through slow movements of the body that in turn reduce the risk of falling.

Fall Prevention Risk Assessment: Provide a Home Safety Checklist that will provide guidance by identifying potential fall hazards throughout the home. Our fire and police departments will be available to assist you with recommendations.

“While our new safety initiative targets seniors, the education and resources could prove helpful to anyone with stability issues,” according to Daniel Martin, Chair of the New Lenox Safe Communities America Coalition and Public Safety Division Chief for the New Lenox Police Department. “We encourage individuals, health care professionals, care providers and anyone who interacts with at-risk people to attend this event.”

The luncheon is open to the first 40 individuals who register. To assure your space, please contact Daniel Martin at the New Lenox Police Department, (815) 462-6100 or via email at dmartin@newlenox.net.


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