The Iowa Department of Public Health says Iowa will join 45 other states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico in recognizing Falls Prevention Awareness Day on the first day of fall, September 22nd, 2012.  IDPH Director, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks says “Falls are a significant concern for Iowans, especially with our aging population. Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalizations and emergency room visits in Iowa and the leading cause of injury deaths for those over age 65.” The total cost of fall-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits in Iowa are over $237 million annually.

The IDPH says falls are not a natural consequence of aging; however, aging does contribute to factors that increase the risk of falling, including reduced strength in lower extremities, use of four or more medications, poor vision, chronic health problems and unsafe home conditions. Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) Director Donna Harvey says, “When older adults fall, it often leads to a loss of independence and reduced mobility. Research indicates that fall prevention programs for high-risk older adults have a net-cost savings of almost $9 in benefits to society for each $1 invested. Through appropriate risk management, falls are preventable.”

There are ways older Iowans can prevent falls:

• Take your time – get out of chairs slowly. Sit for a moment before getting out of bed.
• Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes with low heels and non-slip soles.
• See an eye specialist once a year. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
• Be aware that some medications have side effects that can cause dizziness.
• Increase physical activity – regular exercise increases balance and strength.

Follow these tips to make living areas safer and help reduce the risk of falls:

• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Have grab bars installed next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Have handrails on both sides of stairways.
• Improve lighting in the entire home.
• Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs and clutter in walkways.

For more information about falls prevention, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/FallPrevention/.

City leaders in Denison may take the “High Tech” route when it comes to Council meetings.

An electronic tablet, similar to the type being considered by the Denison City Council.

The Omaha World-Herald reports the Denison City Council may join other Crawford County entities such as the Denison Board of Education and Crawford County Board of Trustees, in using electronic tablets. Use of the tablets is designed to reduce the amount of paper waste generated when Council packets and agendas are assembled, and the delivering of those packets to members of the Council.

The newspaper says Denison City Council members discussed the tablet computer options during their meeting last week. The price for a tablet with a 10-inch screen would cost about $329 each, unless the City’s computer support provider can provide a better, bulk rate. Even if the City decides to purchase about eight of the tablets, the Denison City Clerk would still hold one set of paper copies at City Hall.

Administrators with the Denison School District have used electronic tablets for over a year, and this year purchased the gadgets for teachers, using the schools’ sales tax revenue. Denison Municipal Utility Board members also use similar pads, while the Crawford County Board of Supervisors have laptop computers. The World-Herald says last month, the trustees of Crawford County Memorial Hospital adopted a policy for board members’ use of electronic tablets, which will be issued to the board, at a later date.

A domestic disturbance Sunday evening in Red Oak resulted in the arrest of two people. According to Red Oak Police, 30-year-old Paul Earl Lemburg II and 28-year-old Johna Christine Dolph, both of Red Oak,  were arrested for “Breach of Peace.” The pair was taken into custody in the 500 block of North 6th Street, in Red Oak.  Lemburg faces additional charges that include Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Interference with Official Acts.

Lemburg and Dolph were being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $300 bond each.