Falls

a serious health issue
for people of all ages

It may come as a surprise that falling is a leading cause of hospitalization and death. In the Winnipeg Health Region, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among those 65 years of age and older and are responsible for two-thirds (68%) of all unintentional injury-related deaths in that age group.

Falls are also the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations for older adults and accounted for 86% of unintentional injury-related hospitalizations in their age group and 43% of unintentional injury hospitalizations for residents of all ages. These injuries can be very serious, reflected in the average hospital stay for a fall injury being 25.4 days, which is 4.5 days longer than the average length of hospital stay for admissions due to other unintentional injuries.

 

Source: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg Health Region Injury Report 2000-2010; Data years from 2000 to 2010.

Who

is at risk?

While anyone can fall at any time, children under 5 years of age and older adults are more likely to be seriously injured.

What

can be done?

The good news is that we know what puts people at risk of falling and being injured. Therefore, we can help reduce the risk of falling. This website provides information to help individuals, families, and professionals prevent falls in a variety of settings.

News & Events

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Toolkit on Stair Safety from Prevent Child Injury

Safety steps: when carrying a child up or down steps, protect your most important cargo by carrying the child only, leaving one hand free to hold on to the railing. Prevent Child Injury has posted a new toolkit on stair safety. The toolkit messaging reminds parents and caregivers to protect. . .

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Tips for Preventing Falls: Newborns to Toddlers

November is Fall Prevention Month: All Canadians have a role in preventing falls. A fall can happen in a blink of an eye. The good news is that you can help prevent falls and injuries if you know what puts your child at risk. For more tips on how to. . .

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