Don’t let trick-or-treat become TRIP-for-treat
COLUMBUS – Whether you are taking the “grand-ghouls” out trick-or-treating, or indulging in some adult fun this Halloween season, STEADY U Ohio, the state’s new older adult falls prevention initiative encourages you to make sure your trick-or-treat doesn’t become TRIP-for-Treat.
- If you’ll be accompanying little ones on beggar’s night, carry a flashlight and watch for uneven sidewalks, curbs, debris and other tripping hazards.
- Fancy dressing is what Halloween is about, but avoid costumes with long gowns, robes or capes that can snag on objects or get tangled up with your feet.
- Put on a scary face, but avoid masks that limit your peripheral vision and cause you to miss tripping hazards. Use make-up instead.
- That fabulous footwear might be the thing that sets your costume off, but sensible shoes will be less likely to send you tumbling.
- Your costume may fit your personality, but does it fit your body? Too loose, it can cause you to trip. Too tight, it can limit your movement.
- Accessorize for success, but avoid dangling bits of costume that can be tripped on and ensure that props you are carrying won’t cause injury if fallen on.
- If you decorate your yard for trick-or-treaters, make sure walkways are far enough from decorations so that visitors don’t trip on them, and are free of cords and debris.
- If you’re going for that “big scare,” make sure the area is level and clear of objects to prevent falls when people react.
- Know how alcohol affects your balance and perception, and drink responsibly.
Falls are an epidemic among our elders and are the number one cause of injuries leading to ER visits, hospital stays and deaths in Ohioans age 65-plus. STEADY U Ohio is a comprehensive falls prevention initiative led by Governor John Kasich and the Ohio Department of Aging, and supported by Ohio government and state business partners to strengthen existing falls prevention activities, identify opportunities for new initiatives and coordinate a statewide educational campaign to bring falls prevention to the forefront of planning for individuals, families, health care providers, business and community leaders and all Ohioans. For more information, visit www.steadyu.ohio.gov.
Category: People & Places
