Take steps to prevent potential perils of falling

2Truth to tell, of course, there is nothing remotely funny about falling.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, falls constitute a veritable epidemic in the state. An older Ohioan falls every two minutes on average, resulting in an injury every five minutes, six emergency department visits and one hospitalization each hour and three deaths each and every day.

Ohio’s senior population age 65 and up ranks as the epidemic’s most likely victims. Though they make up only 14 percent of the state’s population, they account for more than 83 percent of fatal falls.

In addition, the financial costs associated with falling are rising. The ODH estimates that falls among older adults cost the state and its residents about $650 million annually in medical costs and lost wages.

Collectively, the toll from falls calls for attention and action among individuals, families, businesses and communities. Toward that end, the ODH’s Steady U Ohio campaign has targeted this lead-up to Valentine’s Day on Sunday as an opportune time to inject a little fun into the serious business of preventing slips and slides.

‘DON’T FALL FOR ME’

Steady U is encouraging Ohioans to celebrate this time of love and devotion by helping the people you care about most prevent falls and fall-related injuries. We wholeheartedly support the campaign’s recommendation of telling those mature Valentines on your list, “Don’t Fall For Me.”

It’s a valid message because falling need not be a natural part of aging, as some old wives’ tales might lead some to believe.

Complement that message by encouraging your loved ones to talk to their health care providers about falls and to to ask for a falls-risk assessment.

You can also help those at risk remain physically active by participating in activities with them that are enjoyable and that also build strength and balance skills. On a more practical plain, offer to help rearrange their homes or make minor repairs to remove or minimize fall-inviting risks.

Businesses, too, should take heed of fall-prevention strategies. According to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, slips, trips and falls are the leading cause for worker injury. When staff or customers fall at a business, it not only hurts the victim but does damage to the reputation of the business.

Communities can join in as well in working to prevent falls. Organizations can host limbering walking events at senior centers, churches, YMCAs, community action organizations, local health departments, hospital wellness programs, senior housing managers and elsewhere. Community governments can lend a hand as well by establishing senior watch programs such as those in place in such communities as Boardman and Liberty.

Take to heart this Valentine’s Day these initiatives and others in the “Don’t Fall For Me” campaign. Then take steps every day toward lessening the potential perils of falling among our revered senior population.