XENIA — The Greene County Council on Aging recently held on Thursday its annual Fall Prevention & Wellness Event.

The popular event, held at the Xenia Community Center, offered dozens of free screenings and assessments, information booths, health experts, and nutritionists.

Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy students were on hand to conduct blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen checks. Under the guidance of instructor Brenda Pohl, a team of 10-15 students interacted with seniors, providing information and the importance of getting one’s blood pressure checked.

The Ohio State University Greene County Extension office distributed a variety of pamphlets on several subjects like encouraging the public to drink more water. There was a device station where safety checks of canes, walkers, etc. were performed. Fitness class info, chair volleyball, a balance exercise circuit, and a ten-mile walking challenge were offered.

A 4-stage balance test was offered as well as a 30-second chair stand, and a timed Up & Go (TUG). A functional reach test, nutrition for life tips, a portion size guide, staying hydrated tips, and more were demonstrated. A live remote with WBZI “Real Roots Radio” and Roy Hatfield was on hand to entertain the crowd and door prizes from Kroger’s, Skyline, Lowe’s, and Bob Evans were given out.

According to statistics, falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits, hospital stays, and deaths for seniors. The event offered fall/balance assessments, blood pressure screenings, safety checks of canes/walkers, fitness class information, online classes demo for laptops/tablets, a review of high fall/risk medications, a special presentation on “do’s and don’ts when you fall,” and many other services. For more information on Fall Prevention contact the GCCOA at 937-376-5486.

Reach Karen Rase at 937-502-4534.