NC Falls Prevention Coalition

11/19/2025

Thank you and congratulations to Janaki Beharrysingh, senior UNC-Asheville Health and Wellness Promotion/Health Sciences student at UNC Asheville. Janaki presented her Community Engaged Scholar project yesterday at the UNC Asheville Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Symposium.

Janaki helped to promote and create many materials for partners this year for our first statewide STEPtember Falls Prevention Awareness Walking Challenge. Many of your favorite resources were ones that she created! She helped to track the millions of steps taken and conducted an analysis of your feedback on STEPtember that we will share with the coalition soon.

Janaki will be starting her Masters in Gerontology program at UNC Wilmington in January.

She is the kind of student who gives me hope in future generations who will prioritize healthy aging.

THANK YOU, JANAKI and BEST WISHES!

11/18/2025

Make sure to prioritize rest to get your body back on schedule after Daylight Savings ends. Fatigue can affect our balance and increase the risk of falls—especially when combined with the earlier evening darkness. Natural light is a powerful tool to reset your body's internal clock, also known as your circadian rhythm. Try to get some early morning sunshine with a walk around your neighborhood! Learn more at https://www.standingstrongnc.org/resources

11/14/2025

This November, we celebrate the dedicated, loving, and tireless work of Caregivers! Caregivers are often the unsung heroes of fall prevention. They are the frontline observers who notice subtle changes and make the environment safer every single day. To all our caregivers, thank you! Your work is vital to keeping our older adults safe and independent.

Learn more about talking with caregivers about preventing falls: https://www.ncoa.org/article/falls-prevention-conversation-guide-for-caregivers/

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to thank and honor those who have served in our military. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 1 in 3 veterans are diagnosed with arthritis. It is important to focus on injury prevention to protect the joint health of our active-duty members and veterans to reduce the risk of developing arthritis. Learn more about injury prevention and managing arthritis pain at www.arthritis.org/veteran. To all veterans, thank you for your service!

11/10/2025

As the beautiful colors of autumn give way to shorter days and colder temperatures, it's the perfect time to "winterize" our homes and habits to prevent falls. The fall-to-winter transition introduces new risks—from wet leaves to early darkness—that require extra caution. Make sure to keep your space well-lit as the sun sets earlier so you can spot any potential fall hazards. Learn more at www.standingstrongnc.org/home-safety

11/06/2025

November is Diabetes Awareness Month! If you or a loved one manages diabetes, you know that keeping blood sugar stable is a daily job. But did you know that diabetes can impact your stability and balance and increase the risk of a fall? Click the link to learn more from the American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/balance-and-avoiding-falls

Make sure to work with a healthcare provider to maintain blood sugar levels within your target range, review your medications, get your eyes, ears and feet checked annually, and exercise regularly. Programs like Tai Chi or seated yoga are excellent for building stability without intense strain. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.

11/01/2025

The only thing falling back this weekend should be your clock! With daylight savings ending this weekend, it’s important to be mindful of a few safety tips, especially with less daylight and longer evenings. Stay tuned throughout the month for more tips on staying safe and preventing falls during the fall and winter season! Learn more at www.standingstrongnc.org

10/29/2025

Halloween is just around the corner! 🎃
While ghosts and goblins might be fun, real-life tripping hazards are not. If you're expecting trick-or-treaters or just enjoying the season, make sure your pathways are well-lit and clear of decorations or clutter. Good lighting helps everyone see where they're going and prevents unexpected stumbles. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

10/20/2025

As the leaves fall and the air gets crisp, it's a beautiful time of year! Remember to take extra care when walking outdoors, and watch out for slippery wet leaves on sidewalks and driveways. Make sure to wear non-slip, sturdy shoes to help you navigate outdoors safely. Learn more about preventing falls at www.standingstrongnc.org

10/16/2025

Make your annual eye exam a priority! Poor vision can make it harder to spot tripping hazards like uneven sidewalks, loose rugs, or changes in lighting. It can also affect your depth perception, making it difficult to judge distances and navigate stairs safely.

It's an important part of staying healthy, independent, and on your feet. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your vision or falls. Learn more at www.standingstrongnc.org/eyes-ears-feet

10/13/2025

This Wednesday, join us for the NC Falls Prevention Coalition's Quarterly meeting! Connect with other falls prevention partners across the state, engage with our educational presentation, and share updates and learn from partners doing great work in NC! All are welcome. Learn more and register:

Join our Quarterly Meeting to connect with other falls prevention partners across the state, to engage with our educational presentation, and to share updates and learn from partners doing great work in NC! Everyone is welcome.

10/13/2025

Drum roll please...
Our statewide step count for the STEPtember challenge is 223,894,322 steps!!
We want to thank everyone who participated in STEPtember across the state, from individuals to organizations. Let's celebrate in our success together!