Slipping and falling can cause more than just a cut orbruse.Tumbles are costing Albertans some serious coin.

The province says it wants to change that.Today, it’s launching Finding Balance, an awareness campaign aimed at educating seniors on the importance of leading healthy lifestyles.The program will include lessons on improving health and wellness, as well as tips on making homes safer.

“Those who have cared for parents or grandparents know that as seniors age they are more likely to fall and suffer an injury,” Premier Ed Stelmach said in a news release.

“In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for older Albertans, so this campaign focuses on educating our seniors in avoiding the potentially very serious consequences of losing their balance.”

According to the Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research, seniors falling cost the Alberta economy almost $88 million in 2003.

At that rate, the figure could swell to $250 million by 2033, the province warns.

In 2006, tumbles led the charge of injury-related hospital visits, officials said. About 20 such admissions were logged in Alberta each day.

Of course, saving cash isn’t the only concern, said ACICR’s associate director.

Kathy Belton said those involved in the initiative will likely lead to a healthier flock of seniors who will be able to enjoy independence and a higher quality of life.

Nursing home costs in Hawaii are 44 percent higher than the national average, according to a new report from MetLife.

A private room at a nursing home costs $306 a day in Hawaii, compared to the national average of $212 a day.

The 2008 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home and Assisted Living Costs found that the nationwide average rates for a private room in a nursing home remained almost unchanged from 2007.

Alaska had the highest daily average at $577. Meanwhile Louisiana had the lowest at $127 a day.

The monthly average rate for assisted-living communities in Hawaii is nearly 18 percent higher than the national average, according to the report.

Assisted-living communities in Hawaii cost on average $3,566 a month, compared to $3,031 nationwide. Southern Maine had the highest average monthly base rate at $4,708, meanwhile North Dakota had the lowest rate at $1,980.

Senior Shopping Guide.com is a great resource for the seniors of Orange County, CA. Check out the site at: www.seniorshoppingguide.com .

They also run Boomer Shopping Guide.com at www.boomershoppingguide.com .

 Happy Shopping!