Ventura, Calif. – The Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition will be hosting a Fall Prevention Forum that will focus on life-saving strategies and offer a variety of other services, including health assessments and flu vaccinations. The event will be held at the Simi Valley Senior Center on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

With the tagline, “United We Stand to Prevent Falls,” the forum will provide a variety of methods and informational sessions designed to arm adults and caregivers with the tools necessary to prevent falls and increase mobility. Nationally recognized research shows that one in four adults over the age of 65, and half of the population over the age of 75, fall each year. Of those individuals, half will die within a year from complications and injuries sustained from the fall.

The forum will feature health assessments, free flu vaccinations, and a pharmaceutical drop-off, which provides a safe and easy way to discard expired or unused medications. Guests will also be offered a “sloppy slipper swap” by exchanging older slippers that may be considered unsafe with new comfort grip socks. Individuals will also have the opportunity to take part in exercise demonstrations for Zumba, Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, Stepping On, and A Matter of Balance. Lunch and refreshments will be provided to those in attendance.

Speakers will include C. Shawn Skillern MD, surgeon for West Coast Vascular, and Dr. Thomas Duncan DO, Trauma Medical Director, Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital.

The Simi Valley Senior Center is located at 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. To register for the event, or for more information, please contact the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Fall Prevention Program at (805) 477-7343.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jannette Jauregui, VCAAA Public Information Officer, at (805) 477-7306.

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