September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month. To raise awareness of older adult falls and the many ways older Ohioans can minimize their risks, the Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) and Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2, challenge Ohioans to add their steps toward the statewide 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls challenge. The campaign encourages individuals of all ages to walk at least one mile, either in a group or individually, for valuable exercise and an opportunity to learn about activities to engage in and local resources available to help prevent falls.
Throughout September, you can download and note daily totals with the Agency’s step tracker. At the end of September, you may either report your own/your group’s totals using the Ohio Department of Aging’s online reporting form, or follow the directions and email on the Area Agency on Aging’s step tracker for inclusion in the Agency’s overall total.
“When it comes to falls, gravity is not our friend,” said Dr. John Weigand, AGE’s chief medical officer. “The most effective way to reduce fall risk is prevention: a multidisciplinary approach that includes simple, safe exercise, a review of medications and medical conditions with a health care provider, and a home safety check for tripping hazards.”
10 Million Steps provides Ohioans with an opportunity for exercise, and a chance to learn about local resources available to help prevent falls. Regular exercise is one of many things people can do to lower their risk of falling.
