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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westbendnews.net\/autonews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/Winter-frozen-window.jpg?resize=336%2C171\")
Both Punxsutawney Phil and Buckeye Chuck saw their shadows February 2nd, predicting a late arrival for spring weather. While temperatures this winter have been warmer than average, forecasters and groundhogs alike warn that snow and ice are likely before this winter is over. Slippery conditions can lead to a fall which, for many older adults, can be a life-changing event.<\/p>\n
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths for older Ohioans. However, falling is not a normal part of aging, and most falls can be prevented. The STEADY U Ohio initiative, a statewide prevention effort from the Ohio Department of Aging, offers simple steps you can take to ensure that wintry conditions don\u2019t send you slipping and tripping:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Maintain regular physical activity for strength and balance. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about indoor exercises.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Eat well and drink plenty of water for the energy and focus to stay on your feet.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Dress warmly, but avoid coats, gloves, hats and other winter clothing that are bulky or restrict movement.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Wear boots and shoes that fit properly and have soles with good traction. Keep shoes, canes and walkers dry and free of snow, ice, dirt and mud.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Keep sidewalks and stairs outside your home clean of ice and snow. Carry a small bag or shaker of rock salt, sand or kitty litter in your pocket or purse for traction on unexpectedly icy paths.<\/p>\n
\u2022 When walking on surfaces that may be icy, shorten your stride and walk with feet pointed out slightly and knees gently bent to improve traction and balance.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Avoid walking in more than an inch of snow. Snow can hide curbs, uneven surfaces and other tripping hazards.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Let loved ones know when you are leaving the house and when you expect to be back. Carry a cell phone with you and call them after you return home.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Ask your post office, newspaper and garbage collector about service options, such as holds or rescheduling, when conditions are too dangerous for you to go outside.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Improve lighting around your home with extra lamps and night lights, especially around doorways and stairs. Use the highest-wattage bulbs recommended for your fixtures.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Keep space heaters, cords and blankets out of walkways. If you must use throw rugs on cold floors, secure them to the floor with tape.<\/p>\n
Visit www.steadyu.ohio.gov and follow SteadyUOhio on Facebook and Twitter for more falls prevention tips and resources. Your area agency on aging also can help you connect to services and resources like minor home modifications and \u201cA Matter of Balance\u201d workshops designed to help older adults prevent falls. Call 1-866-243-5678 for the agency serving you.<\/p>\n
Check on Your Neighbors<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
For a variety of reasons, older friends and relatives may have a harder time adjusting during extreme conditions than younger people do. If severe weather, such as snow, ice or extreme cold, is forecasted or has just occurred, check in on older friends and family members to ensure that they are okay and that they have the resources they need to stay safe and healthy. Things to check include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Are they in good health and do they have the medicine and supplies needed to stay that way?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do they need assistance getting around their home?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do they have access to clean drinking water and a way to safely store and prepare food?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Is the temperature in their home in a comfortable and safe range for them?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do they have a reliable way to call for help, and do they know who they will call?<\/p>\n
If you or your loved one are ill or injured, call 9-1-1 immediately.<\/p>\n
Visit the Ohio Department of Aging\u2019s website (www.aging.ohio.gov) and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for more information and resources to stay \u201cWinter READY\u201d all winter long – no matter how long that may be.<\/p>\n
About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging works to ensure that our elders are respected as vital members of society who continue to grow, thrive and contribute. We collaborate with state agencies and community partners, including area agencies on aging, to help integrate aging needs into local plans and ensure that aging Ohioans have access to a wide array of high-quality services and supports that are person-centered in policy and practice. Our programs include the PASSPORT Medicaid waiver, caregiver support, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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