Ohio launches collaborative effort to prevent falls among older adults

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Aging has unveiled a new statewide initiative to prevent
falls – the number one cause of injuries leading to ER visits, hospital stays and deaths among Ohioans age
65 and older."It is not an exaggeration to call falls an epidemic in Ohio," said Governor John
Kasich in promoting the new STEADY U Ohio program. "Ohio’s seniors are integral members of our
communities and we want them to live long, healthy lives. To help keep older Ohioans safe and maintain their
independence, we are calling on every county, every community and every individual to learn what each of us
can do to prevent falls and falls-related injuries. Working together, we can reduce falls among our
elders."STEADY U Ohio will:• Create a one-stop online resource for falls prevention;• Expand A Matter
of Balance education and exercise program;• Develop STEADY U toolkit for health care providers;• Partner
with businesses to create "fall-free zones";• Promote falls risk assessments in nursing homes and
home- and community-based care settings; and• Target and educate high-risk populations through key
partnerships."Falls are not a natural part of the aging process, and most falls can be prevented,"
pointed out ODA Director Bonnie K. Burman. "Preventing falls will take all of us working together,
which is why we are taking a 360-degree collaborative approach. We are engaging elders and everybody who
interacts with them, from their family members and healthcare providers to the businesses and community
organizations they frequent.""Elders who have fallen are often reluctant to tell anyone about
it," Burman continued. "Through STEADY U Ohio, we are empowering elders to take steps to reduce
their risk of falling again."Every Ohioan can connect with STEADY U Ohio via social media and subscribe
via e-mail to receive periodic falls prevention tips and information. Falls prevention tools are available
on the website at www.steadyu.ohio.gov .

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