Free Seminar hosted by Attention Plus Care & The Queen's Medical Center

HONOLULU (September 9, 2013) - National Falls Prevention Awareness Day is celebrated on the first day of fall, with this year's theme Preventing Falls - One Step at a Time. Attention Plus Care and The Queen's Medical Center will recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and encourage all individuals in Honolulu to use the autumn season to educate themselves and their loved ones about the risk of falls and fall prevention.

The Fall Prevention seminar will be held on Monday, September 23, 2013 from 8:00am to 1:15pm. Check-in time for registration is at 7:30am. Location will be at The Queen's Conference Center at 1301 Punchbowl Street in Honolulu. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about fall risks, prevention, safety, and participate in Tai Chi, Move for Better Balance exercise class. The seminar will include expert guest speakers, morning refreshments, lunch, and $5 parking validation. The event is free, but reservations are required. Call 440-9375 for reservations and parking information.

Eileen Phillips, RN, Client Service Director of Attention Plus Care will lead the seminar. "Far too many seniors are injured each year in Hawai'i as a result of falling. As people age, their risk of falling increases significantly, threatening their independence and quality of life," Phillips said. "This seminar is a great opportunity for older adults to learn how to take simple precautions to prevent falls and stay independent."

As a leading cause of injuries among people 65 and older, falls have a substantial impact on the lives of our kupuna, their families, and communities. Every five hours in Hawai'i, an older adult has a fall injury so severe they must be treated at a hospital. The most recent data show that in 2011, Hawai'i averages 1,990 hospitalizations each year due to falls, and over 5,770 emergency department visits.

Falls are a growing concern statewide, and Hawai'i has launched 2013-2018 Hawai'i Falls Prevention State Plan. The State Plan identifies fall risk factors, local and national statistics, and four foundations that are evidence-based interventions to prevent falls: 1) Physical Activity, 2) Medication Management, 3) Vision Checks, and 4) Home Modifications. This seminar is the first educational awareness campaign built on the four foundations from this strategic plan.

Tai Chi, Moving for Better Balance is one of the evidenced-based programs to prevent falls. Jerry Punzal, a certified instructor, will lead the session. "Moving for Better Balance is a safe and effective way for older adults to maintain and in many cases improve in areas of strength, endurance, coordination, range of motion, and balance. It focuses on postural alignment, body awareness, and relaxation while doing slow gentle movements," said Punzal.

Aging in Hawai'i is an educational outreach program sponsored by Attention Plus Care, with the mission to provide resources for seniors and their families. Classes are instructed by a Registered Nurse, with a different topic each month. Attention Plus Care and The Queen's Medical Center are co-hosting this event.

For over 30 years, Attention Plus Care has provided high quality home care to thousands of clients, in the comfort and safety of their own home. Attention Plus Care offers affordable home care solutions to clients, and respite for their families, to meet a full range of personal care and nursing services. The provider is licensed by the state of Hawai'i, and is accredited with the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval. To ensure the highest caliber of caregivers, the company conducts background checks, criminal clearance, references, state screenings, First Aid certification, skills training, drug and TB testing. All employees are licensed, bonded, and insured. For more information, please contact Attention Plus Care at (808) 739-2811, or visit: www.attentionplus.com