Prevent falls for better health

In Ohio, one in four older adults will fall this year and falls remain one of the leading causes of emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths among our elders.

But while risk of falls seems to increase with age, falls are not a normal part of aging, and most falls can be prevented.

Mercy Health is joining the Ohio Department on Ageing to raise awareness by encouraging older Ohioans to take 10 BIG Steps to Prevent Falls.

“Falls are preventable. While September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, anytime is the perfect time to increase your knowledge or talk with your older loved ones about falls and the many things they can do to reduce their risk and prevent them,” said Jennifer Snider, Trauma Program Manager for Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center. “You can decrease your risk of falling by paying more attention the “Three H’s:” Your home, your health and your habits. Together, we can promote safety and prevent injuries.”

According to the Ohio Department of Health, an older Ohioan falls every minute on average, resulting in an injury every five minutes, an emergency department visit every seven minutes, two hospitalizations each hour, and three deaths each day.

That’s why the ODH will host a web- based learning opportunity on a different aspect of falls prevention. Each learning opportunity will be paired with a personal challenge or other activity to apply the lessons learned to the individual’s home, health, and habits.

Individuals can learn more about all 10 steps, register for webinars, and download related assessments, plans, and checklists on the STEADY U Ohio web page.

The 10 BIG Steps to Prevent Falls:

1) Learn about the factors that increase your risk of falling and steps to reduce your risk.

2) Complete a fallsrisk self- assessment and discuss the results with your family and care providers.

3) Learn about exercises and other physical activity that can reduce your risk of falling.

4) Create a personal exercise plan and try a new exercise.

5) Learn how to identify and remove falls risks in and around your home.

6) Complete a home hazard walk- through and checklist.

7) Learn how a healthy diet can help lower your risk of falling.

8) Create a meal plan to prevent falls.

9) Learn how to talk to your doctor and other health care providers about falls.

10) Complete a medication inventory and discuss it with your health care provider or pharmacist.