Ohioans invited to host similar events for Falls Prevention Awareness Week
Columbus, Ohio – In support of Falls Prevention Awareness Week, the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) will host two walking events this week and welcomes all Ohioans to join in by organizing their own walking groups and events across the state.
The effort is part of ODA’s 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign, which encourages Ohioans of all ages to walk at least one mile during the month of September.
“ODA’s walking events this week are important opportunities for us to spread awareness about the importance of preventing falls, especially among older Ohioans,” said ODA Director Ursel J. McElroy. “Approximately one in three Ohioans age 65 or older will fall this year. But there are things we can all do to lower our risk. Simple exercise, like walking 15-30 minutes per day, is a great example.”
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Two teams of ODA employees will walk from the ODA office – located at 246 N. High St. in downtown Columbus – to the Ohio Statehouse and back.
The first team will walk on Tuesday, Sept. 20, beginning at 10 a.m.
The second team will walk on Wednesday, Sept. 21, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Community-based walking events and groups provide opportunities for older Ohioans and others to get valuable exercise while learning about other things they can do and local resources available to help prevent falls.
A walking event is held at a specific time and location for individuals to gather and walk together. A walking group can consist of two or more individuals walking together or separately on one or more occasions.
Individuals, groups, and organizations interested in hosting a walking event or group can find planning guides and register their event at the 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls webpage, www.aging.ohio.gov/10millionsteps. Events and groups that are open to the public will be listed on the webpage in September.
Ohioans who would like to contribute individually to 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls may do so by posting pictures of themselves walking to social media with the hashtags #10MStepsOH and #PreventFalls.
As an alternative option to walking, Ohioans can view any of four free, on-demand falls prevention webinars at www.aging.ohio.gov/10millionsteps. Each webinar watched will count as one mile toward the state’s total.
About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.