Each year, three million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, but most fall-related injuries are preventable.

Join Sun Health and the city of Surprise from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 25 for the 10th Annual Stand Up to Falling Down fall prevention event, featuring educational presentations from local health experts and fall prevention resources.

The event will take place at The Colonnade, La Vita Ballroom, 19116 N. Colonnade Way. The event is free and open to the public.

“Stability and balance play a critical role in preventing falls throughout our lives,” said Nora Hannah, chief engagement officer for Sun Health. “A fall and subsequent recovery time can keep you from the activities you love, and negatively impact your quality of life. Our goal is to continue to educate on prevention and to keep us all active, independent, and steady on our feet.”

Participant check-in starts at 8:30 a.m., with speakers scheduled from 9:05 a.m. and noon.

Speakers are as follows:

• Erin Richardson, corporate director of healthy aging and functional ability at Sun Health, will discuss how to recognize risks and prevent falls and simple strategies for staying safe.
• Sally B. Alcott, a physiatrist with special interest in acute and chronic rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic, will cover the intrinsic risk factors that occur as we age, osteoporosis and bone health, and how we can target maintaining health and staying injury-free through even moderate activity.
• Makkeda Rubin Deloney, a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience with advanced training in orthopedics and specialty training in balance rehab for older adults, will be discussing the importance of movement and balance in preventing falls and will demonstrate how to do simple exercises to build strength and enhance balance.

For the two days after the event, Sun Health is offering free fall risk assessments. The complimentary assessments only take 10 minutes and are being conducted at Surprise City Hall on Sept. 26, and at Sun Health’s Center for Health and Wellbeing on Sept. 27.

Appointments can be made in advance by calling 623-471-9355. Reservations are recommended.

Attendees at the Stand Up to Falling Down event can sign up for appointments at the event on Sept. 25 if space is available. Walk-ins will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis at both locations.