Hawaii’s Falling Epidemic By MidWeekHawaii

Dan Galanis, epidemiologist for the Department of Health’s Injury Prevention and Control Section discusses falls injury data and local prevention efforts with Mid Week Hawaii.

Dan Galanis, the state Department of Health’s numbers man | Lawrence Tabudlo photo

“Hawaii averages 85 seniors (65 and older) who die in falls every year. Another 1,960 are hospitalized after falls, and 8,700 receive medical treatment. With baby boomers aging, the risks increase. But falls can be prevented. Here’s how

Chances are, you know a kupuna who has been critically injured or has died from falling. Each year, according to the state Department of Health, 85 seniors (ages 65 and older) in Hawaii die, 1,960 more are hospitalized and an astounding 8,700 are treated by emergency services ― all as a result of falls. And these figures are conservative.“

Source: Hawaii’s Falling Epidemic by Mid Week