September 6, 2025 Issue, Page 7 of 10

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 • 7 Weekly Oklahoma Oil and Gas Proudly Brought to you by: Oil & Gas Report for the State of Oklahoma for August 26 - September 1, 2025 Oklahoma State Department of Health and Oklahoma Human Services to Host Com- munity Events Throughout September for Stay Steady: Prevent Falls as You Age OKLAHOMA CITY (Septem- Living Center (13660 S Western aging Oklahomans. There will be 655,000 adults aged 65 years and preparing the state for a significant Johnson, Aging Our Way program ber 2, 2025) - The Oklahoma State Ave.), intended for aging profes- a panel of aging professionals from older. Falls are the leading cause of demographic shift. By 2034, Amer- director for OKDHS. “Falls touch Department of Health (OSDH), sionals who would like to learn different organizations across the fatal and nonfatal injuries among icans 65 and older will outnumber nearly every family. Even if you Oklahoma Human Services (OK- more about the impact of older state, as well as breakout sessions. persons 65 years and older in Okla- people under 18 for the first time, haven’t experienced one yourself, DHS), AARP, YMCA of Greater adult falls in Oklahoma and strat- “Every week, 15 older adults homa. Each year, falls result in the increasing demands for aging ser- chances are someone you care OKC, VillagesOKC and the Okla- egies to reduce fall-related injury die and 154 are hospitalized from hospitalization of approximately vices and support. The Stay Steady: about has. That’s why we’re part- homa Healthy Aging Initiative are and death. OSDH will also host a fall-related injury in Oklaho- 8,000 older adults and the death of Prevent Falls as You Age initiative nering through Aging Our Way working together to host events an educational Falls Prevention ma. Falling is not a normal part more than 800 older adults. Falls addresses wellness and culture/ ed- to bring this message to the fore- throughout September as part of Webinar Series every Thursday of aging,” said Madelyn Maxwell, not only threaten the safety and in- ucation which are two focus areas front—not to create fear, but to em- the joint initiative Stay Steady: Pre- throughout September to increase Healthy Aging and Falls Prevention dependence of older adults but also of OKDHS’ 10-year plan for Older power people with tools to live well vent Falls as You Age. falls prevention awareness. To close Project Coordinator for OSDH. generate enormous economic and Oklahomans. and prevent the preventable.” The state agencies, alongside its out the month-long campaign, “These events aim to empower personal costs. “We are excited to collaborate For more information about the partners, will host a Stay Steady there will be a Stay Steady Work- older adults and help them feel safe These events are a part of a larger with the Oklahoma State Health month-long initiative or to register Kickoff Luncheon, Sept. 3, 11:30 shop, Sept. 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at and confident in their daily lives.” OKDHS state-wide initiative, Ag- Department for Stay Steady: Pre- for events, visit the Stay Steady: a.m. to 1 p.m. at the YMCA Healthy YMCA Healthy Living Center for Oklahoma is home to more than ing Our Way Oklahoma, aimed at vent Falls as You Age,” said Joncia Prevent Falls As You Age website. Chamber Parade Photos by Alex Alvarez