The National Council on Aging says 1 out of 3 Americans, 65 and older, will be injured from a fall this year. 2-point3-million will go to the emergency room, over 650-thousand will need hospitalization, and 20-thousand will die! Senior Physical Therapist at outpatient rehabilitation for St. Francis Medical Center, Ryan Bandermann says the financial toll also has a hefty price tag – medical costs are projected to reach 55-billion-dollars by 2020. He tells KZIM KSIM three aspects are common when researching the reasons why the elderly fall…vision is a major factor, and vestibular or the inner ear issues can cause vertigo. And proprioception feedback, our joints sending messages to our brains declines as we age a little bit. Bandermann says secondary effects from a fall are a major reason for rapid deterioration. A head injury or bone fracture may force a person to be less active. And medications may exacerbate dizziness and poor balance. A free screening to include; balance evaluation, fall-risk assessment, and tips to prevent falls will be offered Wednesday from 7-30 til 10-am, in the Health and Wellness Conference Room 1. Use the Fitness Plus entrance off Mt. Auburn. Bring your medicine list.