Health First Empowers Space Coast Community With Balance And Fall Prevention Education Programs

all prevention isn’t just about avoiding broken bones — it’s about maintaining independence

Falls can happen to anyone — at any age, in any setting — and the consequences can be life-changing. That was the clear message at a recent free Balance and Fall Prevention course at Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital, where residents gathered to learn practical strategies for staying safe.

Free hospital courses offer practical strategies to reduce risks and build confidence. Health First will host a Balance and Fall Prevention Course on October 2 and a Stop the Bleed course on October 6, both at Cape Canaveral Hospital. 

These courses are free and open to the public. Residents can register or learn more at hf.org/trauma-community-resources.

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BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — Falls can happen to anyone — at any age, in any setting — and the consequences can be life-changing. That was the clear message at a recent free Balance and Fall Prevention course at Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital, where residents gathered to learn practical strategies for staying safe.

The class was led by Jessica Henwood, R.N., Trauma Outreach Coordinator and Injury Prevention Specialist at Health First, and Stephanie Tyre, Occupational Therapy Assistant at Viera Hospital Outpatient Rehab.

The program is part of ThinkFirst, the National Injury Prevention Foundation, which provides education nationwide.

Henwood emphasized that fall prevention isn’t just about avoiding broken bones — it’s about maintaining independence, confidence and quality of life.

“Fall prevention is very important for the community,” Henwood said. “It builds independence and confidence, keeps people active and also prepares them with what to do if a fall does happen.”

The statistics are sobering. Globally, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths. According to ThinkFirst, 2.5 million people are treated for fall injuries each year in emergency departments. In the U.S., more than one in three people age 65 and older falls annually.

But Henwood stressed that falls are preventable if the right precautions are taken — and prevention applies across all age groups.

“Falls may also impact your mental health,” Henwood added. “Once someone falls, they often become afraid it will happen again.”

For Connie Webb of Vero Beach, the course was a chance to continue her personal commitment to preparedness. Webb had previously attended Health First’s Stop the Bleed course and said she values the opportunity to learn from local experts.

“These courses are wonderful,” Webb said. “Jessica and Stephanie really know what they are talking about and I appreciate them taking the time and sharing their expertise with us.”

An attendee at Health First’s Balance and Fall Prevention course wears a smartwatch, a simple tool that can provide fall alerts and help call for assistance when needed.

Her biggest takeaway from the Balance and Fall Prevention course:

“Being aware of your surroundings to help you not to fall — and knowing what could happen if you do.”

Henwood and Tyre walked participants through dozens of strategies for reducing fall risk at home and in the community. Among them:

■ Keep communication close. Carry your cell phone or wear a device that can contact emergency services. Label emergency contacts under “ICE” (“In Case of Emergency”).
■ Evaluate health factors. Talk with your doctor about medications, vision and balance. Some prescriptions can cause dizziness or blood pressure changes, all of which affect fall risk. Schedule osteoporosis screenings and keep up with nutrition and hydration.
■ Exercise for strength. Perform strength and balance exercises regularly to keep muscles strong.
■ Create a safe environment. Secure cords along walls, remove loose throw rugs, and ensure handrails on both sides of stairs are sturdy. “Make sure your furniture is easy to get around,” Henwood advised.

When it comes to footwear, both instructors offered firm guidance.

Henwood suggested avoiding flip-flops or going barefoot indoors. Tyre warned against Crocs, which she said can easily contribute to falls. Instead, choose slippers or shoes with grips on the bottom for added stability.

Adaptive equipment should also be viewed as a tool for independence, not a source of embarrassment.

“We all age — it’s a part of life,” Tyre said, noting that a bedside commode or similar equipment can help keep people safe during the night.

An attendee photographs presentation slides listing local resource phone numbers during Health First’s Balance and Fall Prevention course, keeping the information close at hand for future use.

Henwood added another simple but powerful tip:

“When you have to use the restroom from a state of sleeping, sit up, sit there and count to 10 before getting up,” she said. “That ensures you’re more awake before moving.”

Some of the advice resonated immediately with the audience, such as Tyre’s story about a patient who fell into a ditch and couldn’t get up. Fortunately, the individual had car keys in their pocket and pressed the panic button, which drew neighbors outside. From there, the patient was able to call for help.

“A phone nearby is essential,” Tyre said. She shared that some of her rehab patients have been unable to reach a phone after a fall and were left lying on the floor for days. “They developed sores from being in one position too long,” she said, cautioning that those sores can run deep into muscles and tendons.

She advised that if you can find a pillow to act as a buffer until you can safely get up, or help reaches you, that will aid in a shorter recovery.

Tyre urged participants to keep a lamp or phone light within reach and to take advantage of wearable technology such as smartwatches with fall-alert features.
The instructors also shared tips for reducing risk while out and about. Parking under lights and as close to entrances as possible can make a difference.

“Write down your questions when you think of them, because you may forget them when you’re at your upcoming doctor’s appointment,” Henwood said. “Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose of medication. Some medicines can increase dizziness or fatigue, which can raise your risk of falling.”

Tyre recommended keeping a printed list of medications, emergency contacts, power of attorney and health documents in a visible spot, such as a folder near the front door.

“Some people even attach it to the back of the door, which is especially handy if you live alone,” Tyre said.

Having that information ready can save valuable time if emergency responders need to step in.

Above all, the instructors stressed that the goal of fall prevention isn’t to instill fear, but to empower people. By being proactive — through exercise, home adjustments and open communication with doctors and loved ones — residents can live more confidently and independently.

For attendees like Webb, that message rang loud and clear.

“The information helps us be more aware, but it also makes me feel more prepared,” she said.

For those who missed the Palm Bay course, more opportunities are on the way. Health First will host a Balance and Fall Prevention Course on October 2 and a Stop the Bleed course on October 6, both at Cape Canaveral Hospital. Organizers are already working on the 2026 schedule to continue offering these free community resources.

These courses are free and open to the public. Residents can register or learn more at hf.org/trauma-community-resources.

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