Proc. 2010-02 Fall Prevention Week 09-21-09PROCLAMATION NO.201 o-2
T'VHEREAS falls are a costly and preventable health problem among people fifty.and older and the
leading cause of death by accidental injuryfor people over age 65; and
WHEREAS .each year one out of every three Americans 65 and older falls;and over `a third'requtre
medical. treatment and •
WHEREAS in 2003,13,700 persons (37 persons a4ay)age 65+ died from falls; the equivalent of one
737 airplane crashing a week;and
WHEREAS the' Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that $2o -billion dollars is
spent annually to treat older adults for injuries-caused by fails and most of these expenses
are paid by Medicare, with costs expected to escalate to $54:9 billion by 20"20;and
WHEREAS one-half of all falls are caused by poor home design and homes can be made safer through
simple and inexpensive. measures, like removing scatter rugs to reduce tripping, using high
Wattage lights to brighten rooms 'and aid vision,making sure electrical cords run,along
walls and installing grab bars in bathrooms; and
_WHEREAS its important to assess the impact of our health on our potential to fall, to ask a doctor. or.
pharmacist if any medications can cause dizziness, to-,have our -vision checked and to(
exercise in order tamaintain muscle strength, balance, and flexibility; and
WHEREAS AARP Texas, in cooperation with-other groups and organizations,wants to call attention to
this serious problem among its members and the general citizenry in.order -to prevent these
accidentsfrom causing unnecessary pain,. suffering and economic harm.
NOW,-THEREFORE,BE ITHEREBYPROCLAIMED,-by the power vested in me as
Mayor of the City. of Huntsville,Texas that
The, week of September 21,-2009.
be declared:
'Fall Pr.evention:Week
in the City ofHuntsville and call upon our citizen's to observe this .week by taking
any and all necessary measures to. lessen -the possibility of falls in their homes,
z:vorkplace and community.
PROCLAIMED AND SIGNED: this the September, 2009.
Turner, Mayor
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