By:Juhi Varma Katy Vibes Restaurant & Bar hosted a Fall Prevention Day event on Sept. 9 as part of an “edutainment” series designed to combine education with entertainment and community engagement. Healthcare professionals, local businesses and community organizations came together, including Memorial Hermann Katy and Foot Solutions Katy. Music, karaoke and other activities provided the entertainment portion of the afternoon. September is National Fall Prevention Awareness Month. Fall Prevention Awareness Week 2026 takes place from September 21–25, 2026. September 22 is Fall Prevention Day. “The focus was on helping older adults and their families understand the many factors that can contribute to falls and practical steps they can take to reduce their risk,” said Ashley Lamar, outreach coordinator with Memorial Hermann. “Falls are not an inevitable part of aging, and prevention often begins with recognizing and addressing modifiable risk factors.” Nutrition, hydration, medications and vision can affect a person’s balance, strength and coordination, while pets, toys and food bowls can become tripping hazards around the home. Lamar encouraged residents to examine their homes room by room, looking for relatively simple changes that could make them safer. Clearing clutter from walkways, improving lighting and securing rugs are among the measures that can reduce hazards. Exercise is another important part of prevention. Maintaining strength, balance, flexibility and mobility can help older adults remain independent, Lamar said. Participants were shown exercises that could be performed while sitting or standing at home, including some using ordinary household objects in place of weights. Lamar said the goal is not just preventing falls, but helping older adults keep their independence, confidence, mobility and quality of life. Ronak Patel of Foot Solutions Katy approached the subject from the ground up — literally. “Your feet are your foundation,” Patel told attendees. Problems beginning at the feet, he explained, can affect the ankles, knees, hips and back. His presentation offered several practical takeaways about caring for our feet and choosing safer footwear.

Your shoe size can change – Feet can become longer and wider with age, while arches can also change. Patel recommended having both feet measured — including their width— when buying new shoes rather than assuming the size you have worn for years is still correct.
Give your shoes a quick safety check – Squeeze the heel to make sure it is firm, twist the shoe to see whether it still has adequate structure and check that it bends near the toes rather than through the middle. Also examine the tread for wear and make sure the shoe fits securely without your foot sliding around inside.
Don’t count on uncomfortable shoes “breaking in” – Shoes should feel comfortable when you buy them. If they hurt or rub in the store, Patel advised choosing another pair rather than expecting them to become comfortable over time.
Be mindful of loose footwear – Flip-flops and slides can require your feet to work to keep the shoes in place. For people with balance or coordination problems, sandals with backs or adjustable straps can provide a more secure fit.
Check your feet as well as your shoes – This is particularly important for people with diabetes, neuropathy or reduced sensation. Patel recommended checking inside shoes for small objects before putting them on and regularly inspecting the feet for sores, rubbing or other injuries that may otherwise go unnoticed.

The presentation prompted questions from attendees about everything from nerve pain, orthotics (shoe inserts) and children’s footwear to arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, posture, and shoes for people with special needs. Organizers said this was the second event in the edutainment series, and the program is expected to continue monthly, bringing different businesses, professionals, and organizations to Katy Vibes to share information with the community.

| The Katy News | Katy, TX

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