It's quite alarming to learn that in 2008, over 1,000 Pennsylvania seniors died from injuries related to a fall.

Also, there were over 45,000 older residents of the state who were hospitalized for a fall, which resulting in medical costs of over $2 billion.Pennsylvania is not alone. National statistics show that more than 18,000 older Americans (65 and older) are dying every year from falls. That count has risen sharply in the last decade and with more baby boomers entering their retirement years, the number will likely be going up even more.To mark the first full day of the fall season, the Pennsylvania Department of Health joined 33 other states in celebrating "Falls Prevention Awareness Day" in order to raise concerns and hopefully, help reverse that dangerous trend of adult Americans suffering debilitating falls. To help maximize the effort, the state joined forces with the Falls FreeT Coalition, which includes 70 organizations nationwide.There are a number of health strategies older adults can apply to help reduce falls, including regular exercise with balance, strength training, and flexibility components. Consulting with a health professional and receiving a fall risk assessment; having medications reviewed periodically, getting eyes checked annually, and making sure the home environment is safe are also important self-help components.In order to help seniors manage concerns about falls and increase their physical activity, the state has implemented a program called A Matter of Balance, or MOB, which focuses on physical, social and cognitive factors affecting fear of falling. The Department of Health has already partnered with the Chester and Montgomery counties to offer trainings to become a Master Trainer for the MOB program.This will help them recruit and train volunteers, eventually helping to reach a broader audience of older adults in the community. The trainings are supported by Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant funds.A falls prevention program for adults 50 years of age and older is also offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. For more information, visit the Department of Health online

www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA HEALTH.What better way to enter the fall season than by learning how we can remain mobile and maximize our quality of life.By Jim Zbickjzbick@tnonline.com