Virtual walk to raise awareness about fall prevention

Virtual walk to raise awareness about fall prevention
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The Holmes County Health District and Stand Against Falls Coalition are creating an opportunity for county citizens to join a walk across Holmes County to raise awareness for the safe walking of senior citizens.

                        

Falling is not a normal part of aging. The Holmes County Health District and Stand Against Falls Coalition are committed to empowering all older adults in Holmes County to age well and stay falls free.

“We are partnering with the Ohio Department of Aging in their sixth annual ‘10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls’ campaign in September 2020. Join us to take a virtual Walk Across Holmes County during the month of September,” said Kerry MacQueen, Holmes County Health District injury-prevention coordinator. “This year we have organized a virtual walk for you to do every day or just a single day in September.”

Anyone can participate including individuals, families, businesses, community groups, churches and more. Walking is a safe activity one can do during the coronavirus pandemic. Participants can walk outside on a sidewalk or a country road, follow a walking video inside, or just track the total number of steps they take throughout a normal day.

Increased physical activity, like walking several times a week, is one strategy to lower one’s fall risk.

Holmes County measures 424 miles from east to west. The goal is to track steps equal to that distance during September. Register your commitment to participate in the virtual walk and track your steps or miles during September at www.tinyurl.com/RegisterWalkAcrossHolmesCounty.

Falls are another epidemic affecting the senior population and are the number-one cause of injuries leading to ER visits, hospital stays and deaths in Ohioans age 65 and older. An older Ohioan is injured in a fall every two minutes on average, resulting in an emergency department visit every eight minutes, two hospitalizations per hour and three deaths each day. In addition to the physical toll, falls and the fear of falling contribute to depression, hopelessness and isolation.

Despite these statistics, older adults can take action now. Falls are not a normal part of the aging process, and most falls are preventable. Simple changes can make a big difference.

“We are partnering with Ohio Department of Aging and the National Council on Aging and mark Falls Prevention Awareness Week on Sept. 21-25, 2020,” MacQueen said.

For more information about the virtual Walk Across Holmes County, call 330-674-5035 or visit www.holmeshealth.org. One can register for the walk at www.tinyurl.com/RegisterWalkAcrossHolmesCounty.


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