NYC: 300 die each year from falls

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Each year, about 300 older adults die after falling in New York City, but city health officials say exercise can help mitigate the risk.

New York City officials have debuted a new Web site devoted to preventing falls.

Dr. Thomas Farley, commissioner of the city's department of health, said the risk of falls increases with age, but it can be mitigated by steps such as fixing trip and fall hazards in the home, reviewing and eliminating unnecessary medications, getting annual eye exams and staying in good physical shape.

"Certain medications increase the risk of falling and some combinations can pose the same danger," Farley said in a statement. "With more than one-quarter of older adults regularly using five or more medications, older New Yorkers need to talk with their doctors about whether they still need to take all of them."

Farley recommends people also review with their physicians any herbal remedies, supplements and over-the-counter medicines they take as well as prescription medications.

"Sit and Be Fit" host Mary Ann Wilson, a registered nurse, led a group of local senior citizens in a group exercise as part of the show's "Fitness Fridays." NYC life, the official network of New York city, filmed the workout, which is to air in the upcoming season. The exercise series shows ways seniors can maintain their physical health to help prevent falls.

All of the fall prevention efforts are part of an initiative aimed at making New York the most livable city in the nation for older New Yorkers, officials said.