THUNDER BAY — As a retired nurse, Barbara Andros knows the importance of preventing falls as a senior citizen.
When the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre hosted a bone health and fall prevention lunch and learn event on Thursday afternoon, she made sure to attend.
“Everybody is vulnerable to falling so all of the tidbits and information that they give you can help you,” Andros said.
“I always like to keep informed of the new tips that are out there. And I really enjoyed getting to meet new people here. The presentations are really good because you can ask questions and get good answers and (the presenters) can give you direction.
“It’s all about sharing your experiences and trying to increase your risk of not falling. That’s the goal. You want to stay healthy and safe no matter what age you are.”
Thursday’s presentation was hosted by Northern Ontario School of Medicine students Emily Pynn and Taylor Marshall and Lakehead University masters’ student Jessica Lorentson.
The trio talked about osteopenia and osteoporosis, both bone diseases, went over ways to improve bone health and discussed how to prevent falls.
“That includes tips such as limiting hazards that are in your home, like rugs or electrical cords, or walking outside with a buddy, especially in the colder and icier months,” Pynn said.
“At this time of the year, when you walk outside or even from your home or to your car, there’s a fall hazard. It’s icy out there and you just want to make sure that older individuals are being aware of the ways to protect themselves from falling.
“We want to make sure, especially here in these icy months, that the message is out there and people can protect themselves.”
Corrine Graham, who is the support services coordinator at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, said that the topic of fall prevention was requested by those that visit the centre.
“The big thing for these lunch and learn sessions is to have that social interaction for our older adults and to have their questions answered right here,” Graham added.
“They get to chat face-to-face with knowledgeable speakers and learning that knowledge is key.”