I've fallen and I CAN get up

I recently became aware of a startling fact: for those over 65 years of age, something as common as a trip and fall is the No. 1 cause of injury-related death among those in this age category. In Lee County alone, 122 people over 65 died from falls in 2007, four times the number of those of that age group killed in traffic crashes. Adding to this disturbing fact is that Lee County has twice the state average rate of fall-related fatalities and is three times higher than Charlotte County, which has an even higher average age than do we.

As one who has for decades been involved in working toward making human-powered activities like cycling, running, and walking safe and enjoyable, this reality reminded me that not all risk of participating in any of those common undertakings comes from threats such as poor design of our streets and sidepaths or from the all-too-frequent misbehavior of motorists or of our own dangerous actions. Rather, many different factors need to be considered when assessing risk.

But what's up locally? Are Lee County residents clumsier than all others? Is our infrastructure — sidewalks, roadways, and public space — riskier than other areas of the state or country? Whatever the cause(s), the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition (www.leecountyinjuryprevention. org) has launched a multiorganization effort to determine why and to take measures aimed at reducing the unacceptably high rate. Readers of this column are encouraged to contact me or the coalition if you're interested in being involved.

One example of a way to both reduce falls and improve outcomes when they do occur was made very clear to me recently when I had the opportunity to witness, up-close, active elder adults as they competed in the annual Florida Senior Games state championships (www.flasports.com/page_ seniorgames.shtml) being held here — and for the next two years — in Lee County.

Based on my own lifetime experiences and from what I've observed these past few weeks, there are many very healthy "older" folks out there who are doing themselves a big favor by keeping fit. Although no one is immune from falls, critical skills such as balance and mobility are often enhanced when one engages in routine exercise, thereby reducing the chances of taking a tumble. But since some activities actually include an inherent risk of falling, the immediate effects from unexpectedly hitting the ground is often less severe

because of one's health status. And even though broken bones or other common fall injuries can occur, a physically active person is more likely to recover quicker and have fewer complications than sedentary people of the same age. Head injuries, however, do not follow that pattern so wearing a helmet when engaging it certain activities where they are recommended is critically important.

While the Injury Prevention Coalition works toward finding answers and taking action, the bottom line remains that staying, or becoming, physically active at any age is a goal that everyone should seek to achieve. Competing in athletic events, even if only against oneself, is one very effective motivator. Other than a few "ringers" who took part in the Senior Games events, these were average people who were having fun with the added benefit of staying healthy through the activity they chose to embrace. So don't be intimidated or put off by running a race or participating in organized bike rides since the vast majority of those you'll be joining are regular folks and not

elite athletes, something that'll become quite clear very quickly.

— Dan Moser is league cycling instructor/ trainer and a former bike/ped coordinator who cycles regularly for transportation, recreation, and fitness. He may be contacted at moserdeleon@juno.com or 334-6417.

Bike/ped happenings

CYCLING:

>>Dave Cranor 5K - Thursday, Jan 1, Lowdermilk Park, Naples

>>River, Roots, & Ruts Half-Marathon & 5K - Jan. 11, Caloosahatchee Regional Park (www. rrrtrail.com)

>>Naples Daily News Half-Marathon - Jan. 18, 5th Ave South, Downtown Naples If you won't be ready to run a half-marathon in time for the two local half-marathons coming in January, now is a good time to start training for the second annual Hooters Half-Marathon in Fort Myers on March 1. One improvement to this otherwise excellent event is that runners will take the road rather than sidewalk where the course traverses McGregor Blvd. For details of this and other running events, check with the Fort Myers Track Club (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com) and for Naples running info, it's the Gulf Coast Runners (www.gcrunner.org).

RUNNING:

>>Pedaling for Pathways - Jan. 25 from Lowdermilk Park, Naples

Visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club at www. caloosariders.com, Florida Mudcutters at www. mudcutters.org, and Naples Pathways Coalition at www.naplespathways.org for more information on local bicycling activities, including weekly rides. The Florida Bicycle Association — www.floridabicycle. org — is your source of statewide happenings. Until next time, I'll look for you on the roads (and trails)…..Dan