Safety Council

Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.

Latest news…
Road Safety in Greater Estero

Road Safety in Greater Estero

Road Safety in Greater Estero By Contributing Author, Mark Novitski, and Engage Estero Consultant.  Everyone has their definition of what determines road safety or, conversely, what makes our roads unsafe. In writing extensively about Corkscrew Road, I have...

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Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comprtroller Kevin Karnes is now offering an alert notification system for Lee County property owners to reduce fraud. When you sign-up, if a deed, mortgage, or other non-Court official record is recorded in your name, you will be...

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Environment Council

Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.

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Health Council

Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.

Latest news…
Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...

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Education Council

Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.

Latest news…
Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...

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Updates on Issues of Impact

Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.

fall and trip danger

Prepared by the ECCL’s Health Council and the “Fall’s” Sub-Committee

More people over 65 in Lee County die from a fall than all people who die in a motor vehicle crash.

One in four people over 65 will fall each year. Lee Health Emergency Departments have over 1000 fall-related visits a year from Estero area residents. Lee County has an average of 164 fall-related deaths a year in people over age 65. That’s the bad news – more than one every three days. The ECCL’s Health Council is anxious to help you minimize the risk of falling by emphasizing the actions that will help to enhance your safety.

The good news is that many falls are preventable.
Falls are not a normal part of aging. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk of a fall.

Participate in a good balance and exercise program. Find a program that will build your core strength and flexibility. Tai Chi is an excellent way to reduce falls.

Review your home and fix any fall risk areas. Look for loose rugs, clutter, railings on staircases, grab bars in the shower and toilet, among other things.

Review your medications with your pharmacist or your health care provider. Some medicines have side effects that can increase your chances of a fall.

Tell your health care provider about any falls you have had. Have them check your balance. Alternatively, ask the provider to refer you to a physical therapist for a complete balance assessment.

Sometimes quickly getting out of bed can reduce your blood pressure and lead to a fall. Sit at the side of the bed for a while so your blood pressure can return to normal.

improving balance

falls from ladders

Avoid climbing a ladder. A fall from a ladder can be disastrous.

Wear safe shoes. Flip-flops are not a good choice. Closed-toe shoes with a nonskid sole and heel are the best choice.

Have your eyes and hearing checked regularly.

Finally, it is worth talking with your family or close friend about falling and enlisting their help if you need it.

Additional Resources

Step Smart

Step Smart is a local fall prevention program. Their website, https://stepsmart.org, has more information about how you can prevent a fall and booking a presentation and balance screen for your community.

Mayo Clinic

If interested, you can also log on to the Mayo Clinic website, which provides further information about fall prevention. 

CDC

The CDC provides essential information and has identified elderly falls are on the rise and that falling once doubles your chances of falling again!

Natl Council on Aging

Home Safety for Older Adults: A Comprehensive Guide 2023 includes checklists for family members who want to make homes safe for lovd ones.

PLEASE STAY SAFE AND DO TAKE THE STEPS SUGGESTED TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF FALLING