People walk to raise awareness

The first day of fall was kicked off by an event in Ironton to prevent falls by senior citizens.

Friday’s event was part of the State of Ohio’s Steady U’s “10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls” program. The goal is to have 4,000 Ohioans walk a mile, which equals 10 million steps.

It was held at the Farmers Market Square and Laura Brown with the Ironton City Health Department help set up the event.

“It is one day when we recognize our seniors, to bring awareness of falls and do education,” she said, adding it is a national day of programs. “We joined in the challenge. Ohio challenges other states to see who can get the most number of steps across their state. And I believe that Ohio has been the highest for the last couple of years.”

This is the third year for the event in Lawrence County. Brown said that they have around 100 people attend the event.

“Our county is actually one of the largest supporters of this,” Brown said. There were walks at several schools to help reach the 10 million steps program. Students from the Collins Career Technical School contributed by attending and by walking around the downtown area. The early statistics started coming in around 11 a.m. and Brown cheered to see them.

There were also proclamations from the City of Ironton and the Lawrence County Commissioners honoring the event.

There were tents with organizations that help out senior citizens in some way.

“Our project manager, Mary Cogan, helped contact them,” Brown said. “These vendors came out to support it and to let seniors know what is available. And if the seniors can’t come, people can come for them and get the information for them.”

There were stations to check blood pressure, an attorney explaining medical power of attorney and living wills, information packets and the health department was handing out bananas, apples, oranges, water, and granola bars to people. The fruit was donated by Bellefonte Hospital, the granola bars by the county commissioners and the water by “everybody bringing in some,” Brown said.

She added that the educational aspect was the main thing she wanted out there. Not only for seniors, but young kids.

“We are teaching kids in junior high and high school about falling and fall prevention,” Brown said. “So when their mamaw and papaw get older, they are aware of what is going on. So we start young and train them, do fun events, they can help their families.”