Neighbourhood Watch: STN 1 South YarraRegion 1 Division 2 Stonnington, Victoria, Australia.
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Neighbourhood Watch: STN 1 South Yarra
Region 1 Division 2
Stonnington, Victoria, Australia.
You are here: Home>Newsletters>September 2003
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September, 2003 One in three people over the age of 65 years will have a fall this year Home falls a cause for concern YOU would think that the house is the safest place for you and your family. But it isn't. The house is the most common place for injury Falls account for most injuries among the older generation. Victorian ambulances attend about 140 people injured in falls each week. Medical experts believe that up to 60%of these falls are preventable. The major causes of falls in and around the home are unsafe footwear, changes in eyesight, poor balance, lack of physical exercise, inappropriate use of medication, chronic health conditions , and home hazards. A significant number of falls and accidents at home can be prevented by taking specific safety precautions. Here are some practical tips to decrease the risk of falls: Inside the home •Place non-slip mats in shower/bath. These need to be changed each year. •Consider installing rails beside stairs and in the shower for balance and support. •Remove loose rugs from the floors, these are easily tripped on. •Tape electrical and/or telephone cords together and place them in a safe position or tape them down to the floor. •Wear sensible shoes and slippers: low broad heels, non-slip sole that are firm fitting. •Avoid dim lighting, and reduce glare from sunlight rooms. •At night avoid walking to the toilet in the dark. Use a night-light or a torch. Outside the home •Clearly mark edges of steps within the home or around the home (e.g. white painted strip)so you can clearly see them. •Avoid carrying large loads that obscure your vision during walking. For example, instead of carrying washing to the clothesline in a basket, use a small trolley to wheel it. •Keep outdoor pathways swept and clear of obstacles such as hoses and leaves. •If you trip over your pets, place a bell around their neck so you can hear them coming. Annual medical check-ups can reduce your risk of having a fall. See your doctor if you notice a change in your steadiness during walking. Let your doctor know if you experience medication side effects such as dizziness, sight or balance problems. Have your eyes checked at least every two years. Keep physically active as this can improve balance, muscle strength and joint mobility. This may include joining an exercise class, or simply walking to the shops instead of driving. NHW Sentinel Top crime experts in Melbourne MELBOURNE will host the 2003 Crime Stoppers International Conference from October 6 -10. An impressive gathering of the world's foremost police, criminologists and community safety experts will speak and participate. An international panel of police chiefs including the Chief of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, the Head of Serious Crime at Scotland Yard and our own Victoria Police Commissioner, will reveal the extent of criminal activity across the globe and how it is affecting the whole community. The role that community can play in the fight-back will emerge as the delegates contribute and confer. CRIMESTOPPERS Toll Free 1800 333 000 The Crime Stoppers International Conference is an opportunity to learn about initiatives and strategies that are proven successes in the fight against crime. It also aims to stimulate active community involvement from organisations not prominent in the support of the Crime Stoppers philosophy. Details of program and registrations are available at www.csidownunder.com.au The top 10 ways to lose your bike 10. Leave it locked for a long time. No matter what kind of lock you use, if you leave the bike somewhere long enough, thieves will work out how to get it or, destroy it with their efforts. 9. Lock it to a traffic sign pole. Thieves unbolt the signs then slide the bikes up and over the pole. 8. Lock it to a bike rack. Many racks have flimsy metal poles that can be cut or unbolted, allowing thieves to slip the bike off. 7. Lock it in a car. Then you'll have a smashed window and a stolen bike. 6. Lock up the wheel. If you've got a quick release, thieves simply release the bike and leave the wheel. 5. Put it on your balcony. Anything 3 metres in the air must be safe. No. Climbing comes easy for $350. 4. Display it in your open garage. It then becomes a choice between the bike and the lawn mower. 3. Leave it "hidden" in a shed. Thieves like hidden stuff, because people aren't watching it. 2. Lock it with a chain or cable. With bolt cutters thieves can cut through them in seconds. 1. Leave it unlocked. Take the steps to safety this October OCTOBER is Community Safety Month. During October this year, Victorians are encouraged to take steps towards enhancing their safety and the safety of others by organising and participating in activities aimed at reducing crime, violence, emergencies and injuries in our community. Crime Prevention Week, October 5-11 will involve many Neighbourhood Watch activities. Support your local Neighbourhood Watch and get involved in crime prevention and community safety activities during October. We can all do some simple things to prevent crime and violence in our home, business, school, workplace, street and neighbourhood. Further information about Crime Prevention Week, Community Safety Month, examples of previous activities and links to safety resources are available on the web site at www.communitysafetymonth.com.au WORD PUZZLE Transform BRUSH to TEETH by changing a single letter in each step (each link should be a valid word)
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Last modified 7 September 2003.