• Approximately 15 percent of Ohio citizens are age 65 or older, yet this group accounts for more than 84 percent of fatal falls. • An older adult falls every 2 minutes resulting in 3 fatalities per day • Ohio spends over $1.8 million a day in falls related costs, totaling $677 million annually • Falls are not a normal part of aging and most falls are preventable • There is a simple screening that can assess patients at low, medium and high risk for falls Ohio will observe National Falls Prevention Awareness Day (NFPAD) on September 23, 2015 with this year’s theme, “Stand up to Prevent Falls.” Celebrated each year on the first day of autumn, Falls Prevention Awareness Day is designed to educate Ohioans that the risks of falling may increase as we grow older, but that falling is not a normal part of the aging process and can be prevented. As a health care provider, you can play a critical role in the prevention of falls and can help your patients stay healthy, active and independent longer. We can address risk factors to reduce your patients’ chances of falling and suffering serious injuries like hip fractures and traumatic brain injury that often lead to loss of independence and sometimes their life.
To help raise awareness of this serious issue, the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers is proud to partner with the Ohio Departments of Health and Aging to promote the CDC’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) Tool Kit.
STEADI is a powerful resource based on a simple algorithm adapted from the American and British Geriatric Societies’ Clinical Practice Guideline. It includes basic information about falls, case studies, conversation starters, and standardized gait and balance assessment tests. In addition to the toolkit, ODH has a new video and printed collateral about fall prevention specifically designed for patients and their friends and family.
Did you watch the video? Take the quiz. I bet you were subconsciously adjusting your posture throughout the video. Many, most, people are guilty of bad posture. It's hard not to slouch especially when you are sitting at a desk all day. Many times you forget to even get up and walk around. These bad habits are also bad for your health.
Congratulations to The HealthCare Connection – honored as a runner-up in the 2015 NACHC Picture & Video Contest!
Pictures
Our great state submitted some wonderful photos:
Videos
In addition to the photos, check out there were amazing videos from Neighborhood Family Practice, Behavioral Health & Dental Centers of CAA and Lorain County Health & Dentistry
September is Fruits & Veggies - More Matters Month
Most people know that eating fruits and vegetables is important for good health, but most of us still aren’t getting enough. This September, OACHC is proud to participate in Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month.
Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can help you:
Lower your risk for heart disease and some types of cancer
Maintain or reach a healthy weight
Keep your body strong and active
Here are some ideas to help you and your family fit more fruits and vegetables into your day:
Keep a bowl of fruit handy where the whole family can see it.
Cut up fruits and veggies ahead of time so they’re ready for quick, healthy snacks.
Challenge your family to try a new veggie or fruit every week.
Remember, eating more fruits and veggies can be fun – and it’s worth it!
