A CAMPAIGN to reduce the number of falls among Darlington's elderly population has been launched.
Two leaflets have been produced by Darlington Primary Care Trust - one aimed at preventing people falling and the other on what to do if it happens.
Specialist osteoporosis nurse Sue Jackson said: "Falling can have a significant impact on your health, your lifestyle, your daily living. Older people have the highest risk of falls. About 95 per cent of broken hips are due to falls and more than 90 per cent of hip fractures are due to osteoporosis."
Advice on preventing falls includes removing potential hazards, such as rugs and flexes and being aware of the side-effects of medication, such as altered balance.
The leaflets will be distributed around the town's doctors' surgeries, health clinics, homes, Age Concern and Growing Older Living in Darlington offices and to the trust's district nursing and council warden services.
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