1 April 2010
Territorians are more likely than other Australians to require admission to hospital as a result of falling, according to the NT Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
Tomorrow - 1 April 2010 - is "April Falls Day", and the CDC's Dr Steven Skov is urging all Territorians to be aware of the potentially serious injuries falls can cause, and to take steps to prevent them.
"Many people regard falls as an insignificant issue, but the NT has the highest rate of falls in Australia. Our population is also ageing - making falls an increasing public health issue," Dr Skov said.
"Falls - particularly in older people - can have extremely serious consequences, including long-term hospitalisation, significant disability and even death, not to mention loss of independence and confidence.
"In the decade to 2008, 10,326 people were admitted to the Territory's public hospitals as a result of falls, with the number steadily increasing each year.
"Falls have become the NT's second most common cause of injury hospitalisation and fifth most common cause of injury death. Yet in many instances, they are preventable," Dr Skov said.
Recent figures show the NT recorded 680.5 falls hospitalisations per 100,000 people, compared with 607 per 100,000 people across Australia. The figures are even higher in the NT Aboriginal population, with 725.5 falls per 100,000 people.
"The message this April Falls Day is that falls can be prevented. Strategies include: being physically active, wearing correct and safe footwear, identifying and removing hazards from around the house, and with your GP, managing your health and medications," Dr Skov said.
"All falls that result in an injury should be treated seriously, as should any fall in an older person, for they may be at risk of falling again. If you have any concerns, take the person involved to your nearest GP or Hospital Emergency Department," Dr Skov said.
The Northern Territory Falls Network was established in 2008 to share knowledge, expertise and resources on falls injury prevention for older people. This is the second annual April Falls Day.
People interested in finding out more about falls prevention can speak to their GP or visit their local Community Care Centre.
Media contact: 0488 692 781 or 0421 610 455
