Media Advisory                                                       For Immediate Release

                                                                                                October 13, 2005

Fourth Annual Falls Prevention Tea in Port Elgin on October 20

The Community Coalition for the Prevention of Falls in Older Adults, in partnership with the United Church, is holding their fourth annual tea on October 20, in Port Elgin. The Stay on Your Feet tea includes exhibits from local health care agencies, vendor’s displays, and a performance by the Stay on Your Feet theatre troupe.

Prevention of falls in older adults is a serious concern for Grey Bruce residents. In 2001, rates for falls for seniors aged 65 and older in Grey Bruce (238.4 per 10,000 population) were 39% higher that the provincial rate (172.1 per 10,000 population).

The day will provide important prevention information for area residents along with tasty treats, entertainment and door prizes. There is no charge but donations are accepted.  Money raised helps to support the work of the coalition, especially the Home Support Exercise Program which consist of a series of ten progressive exercises taught to frail and homebound seniors.

The event will begin at 1:30 in the United Church, 840 Bruce Street, Port Elgin with exhibits open for viewing. Tea will be served at 2:00. The afternoon feature begins at 2:45 with ‘Bruno & Alice ~ A Love Story’ by the Stay on Your Feet theatre group. This humorous and musical presentation looks at prevention of falls in older adults featuring popular senior actors, Audrey Otter and Ted Codack.

Public Health and its community partners and volunteers, provides a variety of initiatives to support the prevention of falls including theatre troupes, exercise groups and workshops for health care workers.

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For more information contact:

Marguerite Thomas, RN., BScN.,

Public Health Nurse,

Injury Prevention Program,

Box 248, 30 Park St.,

Grey Bruce Health Unit,

Walkerton ON N0G 1H0

519-881-1920 EXT 246