Thursday September 22 is the autumnal equinox and first day of fall.

This day is also the 9th annual  Falls Prevention Awareness Day. 

This day, sponsored by the National Council on Aging, is to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults.

Falls threaten one’s safety and quality of life.  Unfortunately, falling is common and affects around 30% of community-dwelling individuals over the age 651.

Some common factors that can lead to a fall include: decline in balance and gait, impaired vision, use of medications (ie: may lead to dizziness or dehydration as side-effect of medication), environmental hazards (ie: presence of easy to trip over items), and chronic medical conditions (ie: arthritis, diabetes, stroke).

Physical therapists play an instrumental role in preventing falls.  A recent study related to various interventions to prevent falls determined that exercise is effective at reducing the risk for falls, reducing the rate of falls, and reducing the rate of injurious falls (falls which resulted in a fractured bone).  Exercise was shown to be beneficial despite whether it was performed in a group setting or at home2.

A physical therapist can help design a specific exercise program which focuses on gait, balance, strengthening, and functional training for you or your aging loved one.  Your P.T. can also help determine if an assisted device, such as a cane or walker, is appropriate for maintaining better balance.

If you have a history of falls or are concerned about falling, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your primary care physician.  You may be a good candidate for physical therapy and we are here to help!

Check out the National Council on Aging webpage to access more information on healthy aging and falls prevention.  https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention

Have a safe and wonderful week!
-Stephanie
 
References:

1. Deandrea S, Lucenteforte E, Bravi F, et al. Risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.  Epidemiology. 2010;21:658-668.
2. Stubbs B, Brefka S, Denkinger M. What works to prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults?  Umbrella review of meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Physical Therapy. 2015;95:1095-1110.

Here are some local events for this weekend!
 
9/16- Pleasanton Harvest Festival
September 16-18  Alameda County Fairgrounds  Pleasanton
Shop hundreds of artisans of American handmade and embellished art, crafts, holiday, jewelry, specialty food, blown glass, and much more at the Pleasanton Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show.
 
9/17- Cancannon Cab Camp: Concannon Legacy Tasting
11:00-2:00  Concannon Vineyard  Livermore
Join this retrospective tasting of Concannon Cabernet Sauvignon from the last 20 years.
 
9/17- Splatter Festival
12:00-8:00  Emerald Glen Park  Dublin
Come celebrate the end of summer with a colorful burst of food, wine, art and music.
 
9/17- Riedel at Rubino
6:30-8:00  Rubino Estates Winery  Pleasanton
Experience a professionally led tasting from a Riedel Glass representative.
 
9/17- Knockin’ Boots Country Concert
5:00-9:00  Blackhawk Plaza  Danville
Grab your partner and do-si-do down to Blackhawk Plaza for an evening of downhome fun! 
Join in the family fun with face painters, balloon twisters, corn hole and a mechanical bull at 5pm.
The Diablo Road Band takes the stage at 7pm. 
 
9/18- Danville d’Elegance
Downtown Danville 
Join us Sunday, September 18, 2016, when the streets of historic downtown Danville will overflow with the sights, sounds and smells of classic and exotic automobiles for the annual Danville Concours d‘Elegance.


Have a great week!

Happy Thursday everyone! Here are this weekend’s local events!
 
7/14- Hot Summer Nights
6pm-9pm  Downtown Danville
The Danville Hot Summer Nights and Classic Car Show is in its 22nd year with rare one-of-a-kind collector cars along with hot rods and muscle cars.

7/15- Moonlight Movies
6:30pm-11pm  Town Green  Danville
Gather up the family and join your neighbors for respite under the stars. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets. Arts and crafts will be available to younger attendees beginning at 6:30pm and go on until the movies get underway. This weekend’s featured movie is The Muppets Movie.

7/15- Comedy Night at Underdog Wine Bar
6pm-10pm  Concannon Vineyard   Livermore
Underdog Wine Bar welcomes you to another hilarious evening in their popular comedy night event series. Enjoy a night of laughs, wine, and food with friends in the heart of wine country. Space is limited, reservation required. Pre-show seating and dining 6-8pm, show starts at 8pm.

7/15- Rockin’ The Plaza: Petty Theft
7pm-8:30pm  Blackhawk Plaza  Danville
Come join us on July 15 and listen to Petty Theft, a San Francisco Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

7/15- Concert in the Park-The Apes
7pm-8:30pm  Lions Wayside Park   Pleasanton

7/16- Family Campout
7/17 10AM-7/17 12PM  Oak Hill Park  Danville
Join us for suburban camping at its finest. Danville’s Family Campout at Oak Hill Park offers an overnight experience chock full of fun. Enjoy swimming next door at the Monte Vista Community Pool, arts and crafts, games for the whole family, and even a movie under the stars. A barbeque dinner and pancake breakfast will also be provided, so grab your family, your friends, and your gear and embrace the great outdoors.

7/16- Summer Wine Stroll
5pm-8pm  Downtown Pleasanton
35 downtown locations will become tasting rooms for Pleasanton’s Annual Summer Wine Stroll.

7/16- Mary Poppins The Musical
July 16th 8pm-July 31st 11pm  Bankhead Theater  Livermore
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical. Shows are on Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.

Keep your calendars open for next week’s events!
 
7/21- Taste our Terroir (Livermore)
7/21- The Tempest (Livermore)
7/22- Rockin’ The Plaza: Caravanserai (Blackhawk)
7/23- Comedy Uncorked (Livermore)
 
More information on these (and others) to come next Thursday.
 
Have a fantastic weekend!