Maitland City Talk

September is Fall Prevention Month

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, an older adult receives emergency treatment due to a fall every 18 seconds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that medical costs associated with falls, adjusted for inflation, was $30 billion in 2010. The fallout from falls can range from hip fractures and head traumas to early death. Similarly, the Florida Department of Health has reported that falling is the leading cause of injury-related death in 2011 among Florida residents older than age 65.

In 2011, the Maitland Fire-Rescue Department established a Falls Prevention program focusing on senior-citizen safety after a call analysis. A finding revealed that Fire-Rescue was responding to a large percentage of calls for injuries from falls. The fall prevention program is aimed at reducing the risk of falls to senior citizens. Senior citizens can contact the Maitland Fire-Rescue Department to request a home assessment. During the assessment, firefighters identify potential issues that could possibly contribute to a fall or accident. Firefighters provide customized recommendations to improve safety and health of senior citizens, such as home modifications and suggested exercise programs. This process helps empower senior citizens to make the right decisions for their home and gain more independence. To schedule an assessment, please contact Chase Rozell at 407-539-6227.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Maitland Fire-Rescue Department will host a fall prevention seminar for seniors at the Maitland Senior Center at 345 S. Maitland Ave. from 1 to 3 p.m. Seniors will learn strategies to prevent life threatening falls, and what the department is doing to assist in fall prevention. A light snack will be provided.

Free CPR class offered in October

The Maitland Fire Rescue Department will offer a free class on adult, child and infant CPR, AED training and choking emergencies.

The class will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Maitland City Hall, 1776 Independence Lane.

To register, call 407-539-6226 or email [email protected]. Children ages 12 and older only are invited to participate. The next class will be offered in the spring of 2015.

Maitland Farmers Market

The Maitland Farmers Market is open Sunday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Quinn Strong Park at 345 S. Maitland Ave.

The market returns to Lake Lily at 701 Lake Lily Drive on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.