Most of us have one or a few elderly members in our families. One of the scariest phone calls you can receive is that your elderly parent or grandparent has fallen.

Each year, 2.8 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 300,000 of those older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.

It’s not a worry most able-bodied people have for themselves because their bone and muscle strength, as well as reflexes, are higher. But, one out of four older people falls each year.

On Thursday, Ohio will observe in Falls Prevention Awareness Day by participating in 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls all across the state to help raise awareness of the epidemic of falls among older adults and the many things we can do to prevent falls.

Locally, there will be a walking event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ironton Farmers Market in which participants will be encouraged to walk one mile.

10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls has a goal of letting seniors know that falls are not a normal part of aging. Walking strengthens muscles, improves balance and increases stamina, all of which can make anyone steadier on their feet.
While Thursday is just one day to raise awareness, take the time to encourage the older people in your life to come out and join the walk if they are able. It could be the jump-start someone needs to get back into walking. And that could save someone from a serious injury.