Staff from the Ottawa County Health Department prepare to lead Bingocize. Shown are, top from left, Michelle Veliz and Melanie Herron, and bottom from left, Meghen Matta and Audra Gill. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

OTTAWA COUNTY – In Ottawa County in the last year, there were more deaths attributed to falls than to overdose, and nationally, one in three older adults will experience a fall this year. In Ottawa County, the majority of EMS calls are for lift assists. Those statistics highlight the often-overlooked seriousness of fall risks in older adults. Falls Prevention Awareness Week is Sept. 21 to 25, and the Ottawa County Health Department wants to get the word out: Falls can cause serious harm, but they don’t have to be a part of life.

“Falls can be prevented. Falls are not a natural part of aging,” said Audra Gill, a Public Health Accreditation & Communications Specialist for the health department.

One of the health department’s most popular programs, Bingosize, focuses on educating older adults about fall prevention. Bingocize is an evidence-based program that combines bingo, exercise, and health education in a fun environment. The program is offered in ten-week, twice-a-week sessions at various locations around the county.

“It’s designed for education and awareness, and it has the added benefit of socialization,” said Michelle Veliz, Supervisor of Health Education and Community Engagement at the health department.

Participants learn about the surprising things that can cause falls, including medication, muscle weakness, house hazards like throw rugs, and environmental hazards like steps and sidewalks. They also hear about simple choices they can make to protect themselves, such as wearing medical alert devices or smartwatches or carrying their phones in a pocket or fanny pack.

“A lot of people are alone when they fall. We’re trying to get them to be proactive,” Veliz said. “A lot of falls cause head trauma or brain bleeds.”

Bingocize is fun and educational, helping older adults learn how to prevent falls. (Submitted photo)

Ottawa County has the highest percentage of older adults than any county in Ohio, and the health department is committed to supporting and protecting its many senior residents. Bingocize is an entertaining way to help seniors protect themselves. As they learn about falls and how to prevent them, they can also win fun, practical prizes like grabbers and toilet lights, which help light bathrooms at night and are popular with visiting grandchildren.

Danbury Senior Center Site Manager, Paula Shenkel, said her seniors love Bingocize. She said the benefits includes socialization, education, and low-impact exercise.

“It’s done in a chair, so even those who can’t stand are able to do it,” Shenkel said. “They really enjoy it, and they learn about safety from the questions and discussions. They’re learning something while they’re having fun.”

Sue Gribble is one of the many people who discovered Bingocize at the Danbury Senior Center.

“It gets you up and moving. I’ve done exercises with YouTube videos before, and it’s just not the same as Bingocize,” Gribble said. “With Bingcize, you’re with a person, and they are encouraging you to better yourself – especially Michelle Veliz. She’s the bomb. She motivates me.”

Bingocize is a popular program with a big following in Ottawa County, but it is currently on hold while it waits for more funding.

“We’ll schedule the program again if we get more funding,” Veliz said.