There are resources for you to consider if you are scared that either you or a loved one may be in danger of falling. A new report from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services finds that falls are a leading cause of injury and death in the state. Emergency Medical Services providers responded to over 130,000 calls for falls last year. Causing more concern among health providers and aging advocates are the increasing rates of fall calls for EMS providers, which saw just over 25,000 more falls in 2022 than in 2019. That is an increase of just over 7 percent each year with most occurring inside private residences. Door County Aging and Disability Resource Center Director Jenny Fitzgerald says they do offer services to residents who get hurt by their falls and decide they also need a little help.

Fitzgerald adds that the ADRC has teamed up with the Door County YMCA on courses like Moving for Better Balance to give the people the tools they need for fall prevention. Moving for Better Balance is a 12-week evidence-based group exercise program that is based on Tai Chi principles to not just foster improved balance, but also muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility.