November is National Falls Prevention month.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and the Stay on Your Feet Coalition, picked 'Medication Management' as the theme for a seniors workshop offering tips on falls prevention.
Seniors heard from a pharmacist who explained how medications can sometimes be linked to falls. The North Bay Rising Stars, a performing troupe of senior volunteers between the ages of 55 and 85, performed skits and songs as a lighthearted way to get the message out.
"We know that on average, one in three seniors will fall, and we know that a really severe fall with a lot of injuries, can be life changing, taking away a persons independence. And as they get older, like over 80, it's one in two that can fall. So the stats are really high," explained Fran Laframboise, Public Health Nurse.
"There's several messages for medication management, like know your medication, know why you're taking your medication, and always use the same pharmacy so they can catch if there's any interactions. Visit your pharmacist every six months for a medication check," said Laframboise.
"It's important to take the medication as directed. Know how and when to take the medication. Should I take it with or without food? Are there certain foods I should avoid when taking the medication? Even over the counter medication is something you need to look at because it can interact with a prescribed medication."
And that includes vitamins.
"With some medications you can take your vitamins at the same time and others you can't. So it's always best to ask the pharmacist whether you can take them all at the same time, or if you need to take them an hour or two later."
This year the local health unit has put together a calendar with cartoon drawings by North Bay's Dave Palangio,
It is a years worth of tips to keep seniors on their feet so they can stay independent and healthy.
The calendar also provides a check-list to determine a person's risk for falling, and actions to stay independent and mentally sharp.
"These are characters that I've worked with for years," said Palangio.
"The whole aspect of the calendar is quite rewarding to me, knowing that I'm also a senior and it certainly does bring to mind different events in a person's life. It reminds us to eat well, and keep physically active, that helps to maintain strength and balance. When outdoors, utilize walking aids. For instance, use walking poles, especially in the winter time,"
The calendar isn't just practical, it is also meant to be fun.
"We've printed them on paper that older adults can colour. So we've provided them with a small container of colouring pencils so they can colour it. There's also a contest, so they can pick the picture that they like the best, and a the end of the year, turn it in for a chance to win a prize," said Laframboise.
