18 • The Beacon October 28 , 2021

In September Ohioans of all ages walked 47,752,500 steps to raise awareness of older adult falls , vastly exceeding the 10 million step goal .

The Ohio Department of Aging ’ s annual 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign aligns with National Falls Prevention Awareness Week and promotes the resources available from the department and its partners in the STEADY U Ohio statewide fallsprevention initiative .

One in three people age 65 and older fall each year . Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Ohioans and led to 1,490 deaths , 18,856 hospitalizations and 75,091 emergency department visits in 2019 . While many factors increase the risk of falling as we age , falling is not a normal part of aging , and most falls can be prevented .

10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls , created in 2015 , engages individuals , organizations and communities to host walking events and groups and share falls-prevention resources . Thirty-seven groups , comprised of 1,598 participants , walked 18,301 miles in related events or groups ; that ’ s the equivalent of walking the perimeter of the state 16 times .

Ohioans also participated by walking independently and posting pictures of themselves walking on social media with the hashtags # 10MStepsOH and # PreventFalls . Individuals also could contribute by viewing four special webinars . The webinars were produced by the Ohio Department of Aging and its STEADY U Ohio partners : Holmes County General Health District , Ohio Northern University , Area Agency on Aging Region 9 and FOX rehabilitation . The webinars are available for on-demand viewing at www . aging . ohio . gov / 10millionsteps .

Tips to prevent falls from STEADY U Ohio

— Get at least 15 minutes of simple exercise , like walking , each day .

— Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated .

— Contact your area agency on aging ( 1-866- 243-5678 ) to learn about balance and exercise programs in your community .

— Ask your doctor or other healthcare provider for a falls risk assessment including a review of whether any of the medications you take may increase your risk for falling .

— Get and use a cane or walker if you have trouble walking or standing for long periods .

— Look around your home for falls risks such as loose rugs , poor lighting and clutter .

— Have grab bars professionally installed in your bathroom .

Find more falls-prevention tips and resources at www . steadyu . ohio . gov .

Jen Jones

Riley Reveal gives 3-year-old Marvin Brown a piece of candy at the first ASK Autism Trunk or Treat held Oct . 17 . Marvin is being held by his mom Hayli Brown .

City Council At-Large Incumbents

Tom Barcroft Glenn Mishler

3rd Ward City Council Incumbent

Roger Moore

4th Ward City Council Incumbent

Kayley Andrews

President of City Council Incumbent

Tom Hilgenberg

City Treasurer Incumbent

Denell Skelton

Are you concerned about what is best for your needs & goals ?

Joshua G . Fisher , CRPC ^® Managing Director - Investments 250 2nd St . N . W . New Philadelphia , OH 44663 330-339-6669 800-203-4934 joshua . fisher @ wellsfargoadvisors . com