Wuchopperen Health Service is proud to announce the launch of its April No Falls campaign, aimed at reducing the risk of falls among older First Nations community members in Cairns.
With statistics showing that around 30 per cent of older Australians experience falls each year, the campaign seeks to provide vital information and practical assistance to enhance safety and well-being.
Falls are a significant concern for older adults, with 40 per cent of such incidents requiring medical attention. Alarmingly, 60 per cent of falls occur in the home.
The April No Falls campaign addresses this issue by encouraging older First Nations people to stay active while equipping them with strategies to prevent falls.
Hannah Hillman, a physiotherapist at Wuchopperen Health Service, emphasises the importance of activity in maintaining health.
“We know our older community members are at greater risk from falls.
“As a result, they tend to reduce their risk of falls by reducing their activity levels, avoiding activities where they do not feel confident in moving.
“This is a twin-edged sword; we all know the common adage, ‘Move it or lose it.’
“It’s important that our older community members remain active and feel confident in being active,” she stated.
The campaign promotes practical ways to improve movement, strength, and confidence among older First Nations individuals. It highlights essential components of physical health—Flexibility, Endurance, Balance, and Strength (FEBS)—to foster greater stability and reduce fall risks. In collaboration with allied health specialties at Wuchopperen, services such as podiatry and optometry, alongside exercise classes, will provide comprehensive support.
The campaign also features First Nations members of the Allied Health team ensuring a grassroots connection to the community.
Running throughout April, the campaign utilises social media and digital messaging on health services’ digital screens in waiting rooms to maximize outreach and engagement.
Wuchopperen Health Service aims to empower older First Nations community members with the knowledge and resources they need to enhance their health and safety endeavours.
