Preventing Falls for Older Adults

Thirty-six pharmacies from around Ohio will offer free consultations to seniors on their prescription drug regimens to help prevent falls.

Steady U Ohio and the Ohio Older Adult Falls Prevention Coalition are partnering to offer the no cost screenings to mark Thursday’s National Falls Prevention Awareness Day.

The aim is to identify certain medication types or drug combinations that can lead to the dizziness, drowsiness or confusion that can contribute to a fall.

During the consultations, a pharmacist will review each person’s medications and provide a list of potential problem medicines to be taken to their health care professional.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries leading to emergency room visits, hospital stays and deaths among Ohioans over 65.

If you’re interested in taking part in the screenings, several area locations are taking part.

The Krogers in Heath, New Lexington, Newark and Zanesville are taking part on Thursday, September 22 from 4pm-7pm.

If you live in the Cambridge area the Rite Aid in Cambridge will hold screenings on Thursday as well from 8am to 10pm.