Delaware Natural Resources Police Cite Sussex Man for Illegal Dumping Date Posted: September 23, 2022
Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 2022-2023 POETRY OUT LOUD Poetry Recitation Contest Date Posted: September 23, 2022
Governor Carney, Keep Delaware Beautiful, Delaware Department of Transportation Launch Litter Free School Zone Program Date Posted: September 23, 2022
2023 Delaware Teacher of the Year to be Named Next Month Date Posted: September 22, 2022
DNREC to Seek Community Water Project Proposals Date Posted: September 22, 2022
Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site public workshops Date Posted: September 22, 2022
Eligibility For Monkeypox Vaccine Expands Again In Delaware Date Posted: September 22, 2022
Las Oficinas De La División De Servicios De Manutención Infantil (DCSS Por Sus Siglas En Ingles) Cerrarán Sept 23 Date Posted: September 21, 2022
Delmarva Natural Gas Prices Set to Rise Ahead of Winter Heating Season Date Posted: September 21, 2022
2,075 Seedlings Planted for the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Tree Planting Date Posted: September 21, 2022
Blackbird State Forest’s Meadows Tract Renamed in Honor of Senator Bruce C. Ennis Date Posted: September 20, 2022
‘The War of 1812: Over Two Centuries Later’ Date Posted: September 20, 2022
DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Achieves National Accreditation after Rigorous Review Date Posted: September 20, 2022
DPH Announces #MyReasonWhyDE Youth Campaign Date Posted: September 20, 2022
DHSS to Expand Community Well-Being Initiative to Kent County Date Posted: September 19, 2022
Historical Affairs programs in October 2022 Date Posted: September 19, 2022
Division of Child Support Services Offices Will Be Closed Sept. 23 Date Posted: September 19, 2022
2023 Health, Dental, Small Group Insurance Rates Announced Date Posted: September 19, 2022
COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Decline In Last Month; DPH Shares Information On Bivalent Boosters Date Posted: September 16, 2022
DNREC Announces Grants to Support Communities With Pollution Restoration Projects Date Posted: September 16, 2022
Brandywine Zoo Awarded Re-Accreditation by Association of Zoos and Aquariums Date Posted: September 15, 2022
Governor Carney Formally Extends Public Health Emergency Date Posted: September 15, 2022
September is Preparedness Month in Delaware Date Posted: September 15, 2022
DOJ Secures 646 Charges Against Husband, Wife for Serial Child Abuse and Torture Date Posted: September 14, 2022
DPH Shares Activities As Part Of Falls Prevention Awareness Week Date Posted: September 14, 2022
Delaware Waterfowl and Trout Stamp Art Winners Chosen Date Posted: September 14, 2022
Stephen Taylor to Lead Delaware Captive Bureau Date Posted: September 13, 2022
Delaware Hunters Reminded Harvest of Delmarva Fox Squirrels is Prohibited Date Posted: September 13, 2022
Delaware Office Of Highway Safety Anticipates Increase in Motorcycle Traffic for Delmarva Bike Week Date Posted: September 12, 2022
State Auditor McGuiness Releases 19 More School District Audits Date Posted: September 12, 2022
Nominations Open for 2022 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Date Posted: September 12, 2022
DPH Announces Expanded Monkeypox Vaccination Access and Vaccination During AIDS Walk Delaware Events On September 17 Date Posted: September 12, 2022
MONEY MATCH Program reunites over $460,000 to Delaware Taxpayers Date Posted: September 12, 2022
State Awards More Than $3.8 Million to Support High-Quality Professional Learning Date Posted: September 12, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week: The Adams Home Farm of Northwest Fork Hundred Date Posted: September 12, 2022
Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: September 10, 2022
Arrest on Charge of DUI Made After Newark Man Drives Vehicle Into Surf on Navy Beach at Cape Henlopen Date Posted: September 9, 2022
Two Wilmington Gang Members Sentenced for Murders, Gun Charges Date Posted: September 9, 2022
Free Fly-Fishing Lessons Offered for Anglers Date Posted: September 9, 2022
Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: September 8, 2022
Wilmington Man Sentenced in Revenge Murder Case Date Posted: September 8, 2022
Delaware Climate Leadership Academy to Launch Second Cohort Date Posted: September 8, 2022
Volunteers Needed To Plant Trees on September 17 at Blackbird State Forest, Enhancing the Chesapeake Bay Date Posted: September 7, 2022
DNREC Completes Murderkill Channel Dredging, Takes Momentum Into Fall for More Navigability Projects Date Posted: September 7, 2022
State Auditor McGuiness Announces the First Ever Fraud Hotline Annual Report Date Posted: September 6, 2022
AG Jennings Announces $438.5 Million Multistate Agreement with JUUL Labs Date Posted: September 6, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Sales Agreement for New Wilmington Library Location Date Posted: September 6, 2022
Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week: The Perennial Apprentice Date Posted: September 6, 2022
October Declared Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month Date Posted: September 2, 2022
Wilmington Man Arrested After Lewdness and Indecent Exposure Incidents at First State National Historical Park Date Posted: September 2, 2022
DPH Announces Updates To Monkeypox Cases, Vaccine Access And Launch Of Public Health Alert Web Portal Date Posted: September 1, 2022
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Weekend Event to be Held Oct. 7 to 9 at Camp Barnes Date Posted: September 1, 2022
DNREC to Reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sept. 1 Date Posted: September 1, 2022
FDA Authorizes Bivalent COVID-19 Boosters; CDC Sign-Off Expected By Weekend Date Posted: August 31, 2022
DPH Announces First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Of The Year In Sussex County Man Date Posted: August 31, 2022
Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission to Hold Virtual Public Hearing on Horseshoe Crab Draft Addendum VIII Date Posted: August 31, 2022
Division Of Public Health Releases Information On 2020 Delaware Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths Date Posted: August 31, 2022
Delaware Division Of Public Health Re-Accredited As Nationally Accredited Public Health Agency Date Posted: August 31, 2022
Flag Lowering for International Overdose Awareness Day Date Posted: August 30, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Central Delaware Career Expo Date Posted: August 30, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Appointments to State Board of Education Date Posted: August 30, 2022
Numerous Delaware Hunting Seasons to Open in September, Including Archery Deer, Resident Canada Goose, Teal Date Posted: August 30, 2022
Division of Small Business to Reopen EDGE Grants Competition for Applications Date Posted: August 30, 2022
DMV Announces New Medical Tint Waiver Application Process Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Delaware Division of Public Health Launches New Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Delaware’s Annual Chautauqua Tent Show, Sept. 8–11, 2022 Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week: Gov. Charles L. Terry – Oral History Series Date Posted: August 29, 2022
DEHAP Rental Assistance Will Temporarily Pause On September 9 Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Air Permitting Training Session Scheduled for Sept. 20 Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Plans Underway for High-Capacity Magazine Buyback for Delaware Residents Date Posted: August 26, 2022
Delaware Transit Corporation Receives 5th Federal Grant for Energy Efficient Buses Date Posted: August 26, 2022
DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Close Sept. 1 for Season Date Posted: August 26, 2022
Back to School…It’s Go Time Date Posted: August 26, 2022
State Auditor McGuiness: “Delaware Criminal Justice Council Policy Updates Improve Justice for All” Date Posted: August 25, 2022
DNREC Encourages Visitors to Utilize Guarded Beaches at Delaware State Parks for Swimming Date Posted: August 25, 2022
Delaware Emitirá Beneficios de Emergencia el 25 de Agosto Date Posted: August 24, 2022
Delaware Will Issue Monthly Emergency Benefits on August 25 Date Posted: August 24, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Inner Reflections” by Kiara Florez Date Posted: August 24, 2022
TranspARTation Grant Opportunity for Schools Returns for 2022-2023 School Year Date Posted: August 24, 2022
Felony Arrests Made Following Killens Pond State Park Water Park Burglary Date Posted: August 23, 2022
DPH Announces Six New Cases Of Monkeypox; Vaccine Expansion Underway Date Posted: August 23, 2022
Delaware Seeks Federal Grant to Support Cleaner School Buses Date Posted: August 23, 2022
Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: August 23, 2022
DNREC to Host Community Workshop on Proposed Biogas Facility in Southern Delaware Date Posted: August 22, 2022
2022-23 School Year Free and Reduced-Price Meal Policy Announced Date Posted: August 22, 2022
Secretary of State Announces Leadership Change Date Posted: August 22, 2022
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Plan for a Sober Ride Home Date Posted: August 22, 2022
Covid-19 Cases Decline In Last Month; DPH Shares Summary Of Most Recent CDC Updates Date Posted: August 19, 2022
Jennings, DSP Announce Trooper Plea In Computer System Misuse Case Date Posted: August 19, 2022
DIAA Statement on DFOA Officials Date Posted: August 19, 2022
Governor Carney Formally Extends Public Health Emergency Date Posted: August 19, 2022
Implementation of Delaware EARNS to Begin Date Posted: August 18, 2022
DPH Announces Partnerships To Expand Access To The Monkeypox Vaccine For Eligible Persons Date Posted: August 18, 2022
Jennings, State AGs Reach $450 Million Settlement As Part Of Opioid Maker Endo’s Bankruptcy Date Posted: August 18, 2022
Governor Carney Announces High Ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor Date Posted: August 18, 2022
DPH Announces Five New Monkeypox Cases And Expanded Access To Vaccine Date Posted: August 16, 2022
Historical Affairs programs in September 2022 Date Posted: August 16, 2022
Public Advocate’s Petition to Reduce Tidewater’s Rates Granted Date Posted: August 15, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week: Russell W. Peterson Date Posted: August 15, 2022
DNREC to Present Texas Living Shoreline Webinar Aug. 25 Date Posted: August 15, 2022
Delaware Natural Resources Police Cite Sussex Man for Illegal Dumping Date Posted: September 23, 2022
Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 2022-2023 POETRY OUT LOUD Poetry Recitation Contest Date Posted: September 23, 2022
Governor Carney, Keep Delaware Beautiful, Delaware Department of Transportation Launch Litter Free School Zone Program Date Posted: September 23, 2022
2023 Delaware Teacher of the Year to be Named Next Month Date Posted: September 22, 2022
DNREC to Seek Community Water Project Proposals Date Posted: September 22, 2022
Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site public workshops Date Posted: September 22, 2022
Eligibility For Monkeypox Vaccine Expands Again In Delaware Date Posted: September 22, 2022
Las Oficinas De La División De Servicios De Manutención Infantil (DCSS Por Sus Siglas En Ingles) Cerrarán Sept 23 Date Posted: September 21, 2022
Delmarva Natural Gas Prices Set to Rise Ahead of Winter Heating Season Date Posted: September 21, 2022
2,075 Seedlings Planted for the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Tree Planting Date Posted: September 21, 2022
Blackbird State Forest’s Meadows Tract Renamed in Honor of Senator Bruce C. Ennis Date Posted: September 20, 2022
‘The War of 1812: Over Two Centuries Later’ Date Posted: September 20, 2022
DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Achieves National Accreditation after Rigorous Review Date Posted: September 20, 2022
DPH Announces #MyReasonWhyDE Youth Campaign Date Posted: September 20, 2022
DHSS to Expand Community Well-Being Initiative to Kent County Date Posted: September 19, 2022
Historical Affairs programs in October 2022 Date Posted: September 19, 2022
Division of Child Support Services Offices Will Be Closed Sept. 23 Date Posted: September 19, 2022
2023 Health, Dental, Small Group Insurance Rates Announced Date Posted: September 19, 2022
COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Decline In Last Month; DPH Shares Information On Bivalent Boosters Date Posted: September 16, 2022
DNREC Announces Grants to Support Communities With Pollution Restoration Projects Date Posted: September 16, 2022
Brandywine Zoo Awarded Re-Accreditation by Association of Zoos and Aquariums Date Posted: September 15, 2022
Governor Carney Formally Extends Public Health Emergency Date Posted: September 15, 2022
September is Preparedness Month in Delaware Date Posted: September 15, 2022
DOJ Secures 646 Charges Against Husband, Wife for Serial Child Abuse and Torture Date Posted: September 14, 2022
DPH Shares Activities As Part Of Falls Prevention Awareness Week Date Posted: September 14, 2022
Delaware Waterfowl and Trout Stamp Art Winners Chosen Date Posted: September 14, 2022
Stephen Taylor to Lead Delaware Captive Bureau Date Posted: September 13, 2022
Delaware Hunters Reminded Harvest of Delmarva Fox Squirrels is Prohibited Date Posted: September 13, 2022
Delaware Office Of Highway Safety Anticipates Increase in Motorcycle Traffic for Delmarva Bike Week Date Posted: September 12, 2022
State Auditor McGuiness Releases 19 More School District Audits Date Posted: September 12, 2022
Nominations Open for 2022 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Date Posted: September 12, 2022
DPH Announces Expanded Monkeypox Vaccination Access and Vaccination During AIDS Walk Delaware Events On September 17 Date Posted: September 12, 2022
MONEY MATCH Program reunites over $460,000 to Delaware Taxpayers Date Posted: September 12, 2022
State Awards More Than $3.8 Million to Support High-Quality Professional Learning Date Posted: September 12, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week: The Adams Home Farm of Northwest Fork Hundred Date Posted: September 12, 2022
Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: September 10, 2022
Arrest on Charge of DUI Made After Newark Man Drives Vehicle Into Surf on Navy Beach at Cape Henlopen Date Posted: September 9, 2022
Two Wilmington Gang Members Sentenced for Murders, Gun Charges Date Posted: September 9, 2022
Free Fly-Fishing Lessons Offered for Anglers Date Posted: September 9, 2022
Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: September 8, 2022
Wilmington Man Sentenced in Revenge Murder Case Date Posted: September 8, 2022
Delaware Climate Leadership Academy to Launch Second Cohort Date Posted: September 8, 2022
Volunteers Needed To Plant Trees on September 17 at Blackbird State Forest, Enhancing the Chesapeake Bay Date Posted: September 7, 2022
DNREC Completes Murderkill Channel Dredging, Takes Momentum Into Fall for More Navigability Projects Date Posted: September 7, 2022
State Auditor McGuiness Announces the First Ever Fraud Hotline Annual Report Date Posted: September 6, 2022
AG Jennings Announces $438.5 Million Multistate Agreement with JUUL Labs Date Posted: September 6, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Sales Agreement for New Wilmington Library Location Date Posted: September 6, 2022
Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week: The Perennial Apprentice Date Posted: September 6, 2022
October Declared Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month Date Posted: September 2, 2022
Wilmington Man Arrested After Lewdness and Indecent Exposure Incidents at First State National Historical Park Date Posted: September 2, 2022
DPH Announces Updates To Monkeypox Cases, Vaccine Access And Launch Of Public Health Alert Web Portal Date Posted: September 1, 2022
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Weekend Event to be Held Oct. 7 to 9 at Camp Barnes Date Posted: September 1, 2022
DNREC to Reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sept. 1 Date Posted: September 1, 2022
FDA Authorizes Bivalent COVID-19 Boosters; CDC Sign-Off Expected By Weekend Date Posted: August 31, 2022
DPH Announces First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Of The Year In Sussex County Man Date Posted: August 31, 2022
Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission to Hold Virtual Public Hearing on Horseshoe Crab Draft Addendum VIII Date Posted: August 31, 2022
Division Of Public Health Releases Information On 2020 Delaware Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths Date Posted: August 31, 2022
Delaware Division Of Public Health Re-Accredited As Nationally Accredited Public Health Agency Date Posted: August 31, 2022
Flag Lowering for International Overdose Awareness Day Date Posted: August 30, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Central Delaware Career Expo Date Posted: August 30, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Appointments to State Board of Education Date Posted: August 30, 2022
Numerous Delaware Hunting Seasons to Open in September, Including Archery Deer, Resident Canada Goose, Teal Date Posted: August 30, 2022
Division of Small Business to Reopen EDGE Grants Competition for Applications Date Posted: August 30, 2022
DMV Announces New Medical Tint Waiver Application Process Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Delaware Division of Public Health Launches New Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Delaware’s Annual Chautauqua Tent Show, Sept. 8–11, 2022 Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week: Gov. Charles L. Terry – Oral History Series Date Posted: August 29, 2022
DEHAP Rental Assistance Will Temporarily Pause On September 9 Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Air Permitting Training Session Scheduled for Sept. 20 Date Posted: August 29, 2022
Plans Underway for High-Capacity Magazine Buyback for Delaware Residents Date Posted: August 26, 2022
Delaware Transit Corporation Receives 5th Federal Grant for Energy Efficient Buses Date Posted: August 26, 2022
DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Close Sept. 1 for Season Date Posted: August 26, 2022
Back to School…It’s Go Time Date Posted: August 26, 2022
State Auditor McGuiness: “Delaware Criminal Justice Council Policy Updates Improve Justice for All” Date Posted: August 25, 2022
DNREC Encourages Visitors to Utilize Guarded Beaches at Delaware State Parks for Swimming Date Posted: August 25, 2022
Delaware Emitirá Beneficios de Emergencia el 25 de Agosto Date Posted: August 24, 2022
Delaware Will Issue Monthly Emergency Benefits on August 25 Date Posted: August 24, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Inner Reflections” by Kiara Florez Date Posted: August 24, 2022
TranspARTation Grant Opportunity for Schools Returns for 2022-2023 School Year Date Posted: August 24, 2022
Felony Arrests Made Following Killens Pond State Park Water Park Burglary Date Posted: August 23, 2022
DPH Announces Six New Cases Of Monkeypox; Vaccine Expansion Underway Date Posted: August 23, 2022
Delaware Seeks Federal Grant to Support Cleaner School Buses Date Posted: August 23, 2022
Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags Date Posted: August 23, 2022
DNREC to Host Community Workshop on Proposed Biogas Facility in Southern Delaware Date Posted: August 22, 2022
2022-23 School Year Free and Reduced-Price Meal Policy Announced Date Posted: August 22, 2022
Secretary of State Announces Leadership Change Date Posted: August 22, 2022
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Plan for a Sober Ride Home Date Posted: August 22, 2022
Covid-19 Cases Decline In Last Month; DPH Shares Summary Of Most Recent CDC Updates Date Posted: August 19, 2022
Jennings, DSP Announce Trooper Plea In Computer System Misuse Case Date Posted: August 19, 2022
DIAA Statement on DFOA Officials Date Posted: August 19, 2022
Governor Carney Formally Extends Public Health Emergency Date Posted: August 19, 2022
Implementation of Delaware EARNS to Begin Date Posted: August 18, 2022
DPH Announces Partnerships To Expand Access To The Monkeypox Vaccine For Eligible Persons Date Posted: August 18, 2022
Jennings, State AGs Reach $450 Million Settlement As Part Of Opioid Maker Endo’s Bankruptcy Date Posted: August 18, 2022
Governor Carney Announces High Ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor Date Posted: August 18, 2022
DPH Announces Five New Monkeypox Cases And Expanded Access To Vaccine Date Posted: August 16, 2022
Historical Affairs programs in September 2022 Date Posted: August 16, 2022
Public Advocate’s Petition to Reduce Tidewater’s Rates Granted Date Posted: August 15, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week: Russell W. Peterson Date Posted: August 15, 2022
DNREC to Present Texas Living Shoreline Webinar Aug. 25 Date Posted: August 15, 2022
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Division of Public Health | News | Date Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2022
DOVER, DE (Sept. 14, 2022) – Falls can result in broken bones, head injuries, and temporary or permanent disabilities, and the Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention’s Falls Prevention Team says it takes community effort to prevent them. The Injury Prevention Coalition operates under the Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Emergency Medical Services section.
In recognition of the importance of fall prevention, Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long proclaimed September 18-24, 2022, as Falls Prevention Awareness Week in keeping with the nationally recognized week.
“We need to look out for all Delawareans, especially our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Governor Carney. “When everyone focuses on how they can prevent falls, we create safer communities.”
“Preventing falls is important not only to keep individuals of all ages safe, but also to reduce the strain on the emergency services and health care system,” said Steve Blessing, Chief of DPH’s Office of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness. “Falls create a ripple effect in the person’s life, the life of their families who may need to arrange for a higher level of care for them, and the EMS and medical system as a whole.”
On Sept. 20, the Falls Prevention Team and the Modern Maturity Center (MMC) will show the movie “Denying Gravity.” The movie highlights in a relatable, good-humored approach the positive effects of fall prevention activities for seniors. A small health fair with information on preventing falls precedes the movie. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the MMC, located at 1121 Forrest Avenue in Dover, Delaware. Registration is not required. Should movie-goers choose to stay for lunch in the Longwood Dining Room, the cost is $6.00 for ages 60 and older and $9.00 for ages up to 59. Visit www.modern-maturity.org for more information.
Falls occur among persons of all ages, though in the United States young children and seniors are most at risk for suffering fall-related traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries lead to major life changes for the individual and their families. In the U.S., falls are the leading cause of trauma-related hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older, with one in four in that age group falling every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the Delaware Trauma Registry, 3,229 individuals were injured from falls and seen at a Delaware trauma center in 2021. Of that total, 1,833 were over the age of 64 and survived the fall while 38 people in that age group died.
“Head injury and hip fractures are unfortunately common among seniors who fall, and that impacts their mobility long-term,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long who is also a Registered Nurse. “It is so important for them to improve their balance and strengthen leg muscles, which can weaken from inactivity.”
The Falls Prevention Team asks communities, businesses, schools, organizations, and households to follow this safety advice to prevent falls:
· Adults, especially seniors and individuals using wheelchairs and walkers, can get regular vision and hearing checkups and visit their health care provider to review medications, balance and coordination, muscle strength, and physical activity level. Adults should eat nutritious foods and beverages, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and get appropriate sleep.
· Wear shoes in good condition without worn soles and heels. Shoes should fit well and not fall off the feet. Individuals at risk of falls should wear shoes and slippers that fit around their feet with no open backs.
· Ensure proper fit of canes and walkers.
· Do not let pets get underfoot. Teach them basic commands like “sit” and “stay.”
· Use motion-activated lights to keep walkways and parking areas well lit. Use motion-activated night lights inside.
· Keep homes, yards, and public areas free of clutter.
· Maintain walkways to ensure a smooth surface without crumbling or splintered surfaces. Prevent slippery conditions by removing snow, ice, rain, wet moss, leaves, oil, and other substances that can cause individuals to fall.
· Ensure that there are curb cuts or other detectable warning surfaces that meet state/local safety codes and the guidelines provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Curb cuts, tactile surface pavers, slopes, contrasting colors, and other universal design elements benefit everyone, especially individuals with disabilities who use walkers and wheelchairs, those pushing strollers, and those who cannot see well or easily lift their feet up onto the curb.
· Install handrails, ramps, and automatic doors and keep them free of hazards.
· Use entrance mats with flat and secured edges that do not curl up. Absorbent floor mats catch rain and snow at entrances and spilled drinks at food establishments.
To improve coordination and balance, older Delawareans can enroll in A Matter of Balance© classes that are held in communities throughout the state. For a schedule of A Matter of Balance© classes, call Volunteer Delaware 50+ at 302-515-3020.
ChristianaCare offers BingoCize, an evidence-based fall prevention program integrating Bingo and exercise, as well as the ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls© program, which can be done either virtually or in person. The ThinkFirst program addresses home modifications, medications, balance, healthy eating, and other strategies to prevent falls. To schedule these programs and obtain more information, send an email to injuryprevention@christianacare.org .
To learn more about falls and falls prevention, refer to the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) program at https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html and the National Council on Aging at https://www.ncoa.org/. For falls data, visit the Delaware Trauma System Registry webpage at https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/ems/trauma.html.
Proclamation in Observation of Fall Prevention Awareness Week
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.
Related Topics: activities, caution, Delaware, DPH, falls, falls prevention awareness week, proclamation, slips
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Division of Public Health | News | Date Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2022
DOVER, DE (Sept. 14, 2022) – Falls can result in broken bones, head injuries, and temporary or permanent disabilities, and the Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention’s Falls Prevention Team says it takes community effort to prevent them. The Injury Prevention Coalition operates under the Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Emergency Medical Services section.
In recognition of the importance of fall prevention, Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long proclaimed September 18-24, 2022, as Falls Prevention Awareness Week in keeping with the nationally recognized week.
“We need to look out for all Delawareans, especially our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Governor Carney. “When everyone focuses on how they can prevent falls, we create safer communities.”
“Preventing falls is important not only to keep individuals of all ages safe, but also to reduce the strain on the emergency services and health care system,” said Steve Blessing, Chief of DPH’s Office of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness. “Falls create a ripple effect in the person’s life, the life of their families who may need to arrange for a higher level of care for them, and the EMS and medical system as a whole.”
On Sept. 20, the Falls Prevention Team and the Modern Maturity Center (MMC) will show the movie “Denying Gravity.” The movie highlights in a relatable, good-humored approach the positive effects of fall prevention activities for seniors. A small health fair with information on preventing falls precedes the movie. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the MMC, located at 1121 Forrest Avenue in Dover, Delaware. Registration is not required. Should movie-goers choose to stay for lunch in the Longwood Dining Room, the cost is $6.00 for ages 60 and older and $9.00 for ages up to 59. Visit www.modern-maturity.org for more information.
Falls occur among persons of all ages, though in the United States young children and seniors are most at risk for suffering fall-related traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries lead to major life changes for the individual and their families. In the U.S., falls are the leading cause of trauma-related hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older, with one in four in that age group falling every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the Delaware Trauma Registry, 3,229 individuals were injured from falls and seen at a Delaware trauma center in 2021. Of that total, 1,833 were over the age of 64 and survived the fall while 38 people in that age group died.
“Head injury and hip fractures are unfortunately common among seniors who fall, and that impacts their mobility long-term,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long who is also a Registered Nurse. “It is so important for them to improve their balance and strengthen leg muscles, which can weaken from inactivity.”
The Falls Prevention Team asks communities, businesses, schools, organizations, and households to follow this safety advice to prevent falls:
· Adults, especially seniors and individuals using wheelchairs and walkers, can get regular vision and hearing checkups and visit their health care provider to review medications, balance and coordination, muscle strength, and physical activity level. Adults should eat nutritious foods and beverages, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and get appropriate sleep.
· Wear shoes in good condition without worn soles and heels. Shoes should fit well and not fall off the feet. Individuals at risk of falls should wear shoes and slippers that fit around their feet with no open backs.
· Ensure proper fit of canes and walkers.
· Do not let pets get underfoot. Teach them basic commands like “sit” and “stay.”
· Use motion-activated lights to keep walkways and parking areas well lit. Use motion-activated night lights inside.
· Keep homes, yards, and public areas free of clutter.
· Maintain walkways to ensure a smooth surface without crumbling or splintered surfaces. Prevent slippery conditions by removing snow, ice, rain, wet moss, leaves, oil, and other substances that can cause individuals to fall.
· Ensure that there are curb cuts or other detectable warning surfaces that meet state/local safety codes and the guidelines provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Curb cuts, tactile surface pavers, slopes, contrasting colors, and other universal design elements benefit everyone, especially individuals with disabilities who use walkers and wheelchairs, those pushing strollers, and those who cannot see well or easily lift their feet up onto the curb.
· Install handrails, ramps, and automatic doors and keep them free of hazards.
· Use entrance mats with flat and secured edges that do not curl up. Absorbent floor mats catch rain and snow at entrances and spilled drinks at food establishments.
To improve coordination and balance, older Delawareans can enroll in A Matter of Balance© classes that are held in communities throughout the state. For a schedule of A Matter of Balance© classes, call Volunteer Delaware 50+ at 302-515-3020.
ChristianaCare offers BingoCize, an evidence-based fall prevention program integrating Bingo and exercise, as well as the ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls© program, which can be done either virtually or in person. The ThinkFirst program addresses home modifications, medications, balance, healthy eating, and other strategies to prevent falls. To schedule these programs and obtain more information, send an email to injuryprevention@christianacare.org .
To learn more about falls and falls prevention, refer to the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) program at https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html and the National Council on Aging at https://www.ncoa.org/. For falls data, visit the Delaware Trauma System Registry webpage at https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/ems/trauma.html.
Proclamation in Observation of Fall Prevention Awareness Week
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.
Related Topics: activities, caution, Delaware, DPH, falls, falls prevention awareness week, proclamation, slips
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