55PLUS members are invited to attend one of the following talks in McCook on “Fall Prevention: Only Leaves Should Fall” by Darcie Johnson, RN and Community Hospital Emergency Room Coordinator.

• Thursday, September 17 at 12:30 p.m. at the Heritage Senior Center at 1312 West Fifth (No registration necessary)

• Tuesday, September 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the Willow Ridge Senior Living Community at 1500 East Eleventh Street. (Register for this location by calling 308-344-8255. Seating is limited.)

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries for adults 65 and older, according the Centers for Disease Control. The same is true in Nebraska. Nebraska’s fall injury death rates among older adults age 65 and over were higher than national rates for both males and females. An average of 130 Nebraskans age 65 and older died, over 8,200 visited and emergency room, and 3,200 were hospitalized each year due to a fall-related injury. More than half of the fall-related injuries occurred at home.

55PLUS is a community service program for everyone 55 years and up provided by Community Hospital of McCook in conjunction with BryanLGH Medical Center in Lincoln. It costs nothing to join and there are no fees or dues. The program offers a comprehensive package of health-related services designed to benefit members in accessing medical care and continuing their independence and good health. Some of the benefits include educational seminars, social functions. fitness classes, free guest meals while in the hospital, discounts from local businesses, and health newsletters. To become a member, call the Info Line at 308-344-8255 to request an application.  Non-members are welcome to register for and attend seminars as a trial. 55PLUS applications will be available at each seminar.