Image Up Advertising & Design

FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | OCTOBER 2025 33 Safety Committee SAFETY 4 "ALL" SEASONS As we enter autumn, the Safety Committee remains dedicated to ensuring our community is a safe place to live. It is fall, but you don't have to fall for it! FACTS ABOUT FALLS According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people, especially those 65 and older, fall each year. In fact, more than one out of four older adults fall annually, yet fewer than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your risk of falling again. Falls are Serious and Costly • One in 10 falls results in an injury that causes the senior to limit activities for a day or more to seek medical attention. • Approximately three million emergency department visits occur annually due to falls among older adults. • Nearly one million fall-related hospitalizations happen each year. • About 319,000 older individuals are hospitalized annually for hip fractures. • Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. Conditions Increasing the Likelihood of a Fall Research identies many risk factors that contribute to falling. Many of these can be changed or managed to prevent falls. ey include: • Lower body weakness • Vitamin D deciency • Walking and balance diculties • Use of medications such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even over-the-counter medicines can aect balance. • Vision problems • Foot pain or inadequate footwear • Home hazards such as broken or uneven stairs, clutter or throw rugs that pose tripping hazards Most falls result from a combination of risk factors. e more risk factors present, the higher the likelihood of falling. Healthcare providers can help reduce these risks through fall prevention strategies both in medical settings and within the community. Aer a Fall Many falls do not cause injuries. However, about 37 percent of falls that do result in injuries require medical treatment or restrict activity for at least a day. ese injuries can impair mobility, daily activities, and independence. Falls can cause broken bones like wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures. Head injuries are also common and serious, especially if medications like blood thinners are involved. Anyone who hits their head aer a fall should see a doctor immediately to rule out a brain injury. Even if uninjured, many fall victims develop a fear of falling, which may lead to reduced activity. is lack of activity weakens muscles and increases the fall risk over time. FALL-PROOF YOUR HOME We might think we are always safe on at ground, but thousands of injuries each year tell a dierent story … According to the National Safety Council, falls while walking or working on ground level are major causes of serious injury and death among older adults. To help prevent falls, consider: • Keeping oors and surfaces free of clutter • Closing cabinets and desk drawers • Keeping electrical and phone cords out of walkways • Wearing proper, sensible footwear • Never standing on chairs, tables, or wheeled surfaces • Arranging furniture to create open pathways, and keeping le cabinets and drawers closed • Maintaining good lighting indoors and outdoors Remember, aging can aect vision, strength, and balance. As a result, adults 65 and older are at a higher risk for falls. However, falls are not an inevitable part of aging and can be prevented. As a safety reminder, unsafe driving is a common concern among residents. Here are key tips to keep our community safe: • Maximum speed in residential areas is 25 mph. • Speed limit on Four Seasons Circle is 30 mph. • In alleyways, the speed limit is 15 mph. Parking in alleyways is prohibited to keep access open for emergency vehicles. • Always stop at designated STOP signs. • Yield to vehicles entering roundabouts. • When entering a roundabout, proceed counterclock-wise only. • Avoid distracted driving by putting away cell phones and electronic devices. • Yield to pedestrians. • Drivers should follow careful driving practices. Even though streets lack center lines, stay to the right side of the roadway. CPR / AED CLASSES: Monthly CPR classes are currently not scheduled. To arrange a CPR course for your club or committee, contact A J Reilly at (951) 522-9975 or reilly58@me.com. Remember, "If you see something, say something." e Safety Committee meets on the rst Tuesday of each month at 10 am in the RCN Conference Room. Your attendance is encouraged if you have questions or want updates about safety projects. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail.com

• Cover