Public Health Grand Rounds Bring Together Experts

A Public Health Grand Rounds (PHGR) Webcast on falls and traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevention brought together an expert panel who discussed this emerging public health concern that will continue to grow as the U.S. population ages and more baby boomers reach retirement.

The PHGR Webcast is a product of the ongoing collaborative effort between CDC's National Center for Health Marketing and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Public Health, which has produced broadcast-quality shows of particular interest to public health professionals. The most recent installment, "Help Older Adults Live Better, Longer: Prevent Falls and Traumatic Brain Injury," may also be beneficial to private citizens in regard to the health and well being of family members.

Falls—and the serious injuries that can result, including a brain injury—are not an inevitable part of aging. Innovative, evidence-based programs and approaches can help prevent them. This Webcast presents many of these preventive measures, along with suggestions and precautions that enable family members to assist older adults.

Preventive measures include the following:

• Begin a regular exercise program.
• Have a healthcare provider review your medicines.
• Have your vision checked.
• Make your home safer.

The PHGR panel discussion on falls and TBI prevention is available at the UNC Web site. CDC, through its partnership with UNC, has accredited this program for various professionals to receive continuing education credits. 

Additional information about preventing older adult falls and TBI:

• Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
• Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury