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CITY, ND – Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among those age 65 and older. In 2008, 2.1 million non-fatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments resulting in more than 559,000 patients being hospitalized.

Twenty five percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures or head traumas. Even if no injuries occur after a fall, many people develop fear of falling, which in turn often causes them to limit their activities. This can result in reduced mobility and loss of physical conditioning, increasing their risk of falling.

Stepping On is a program that empowers older adults to carry out health behaviors that reduce the risks of falls. It is a community-based workshop offered once a week for seven weeks using adult education and self-efficacy principles. In a small-group setting, older adults learn balance exercises and develop specific knowledge and skills to prevent falls.

Older adults who should attend the Stepping On Falls Prevention class are those who:
a)    are at risk of falling,
b)    have a fear of falling, or
c)    who have fallen one or more times

The Barnes ON THE MOVE Partnership will be offering a class session this spring. Paula Thomsen, RN, City-County Health District, and Teresa Garrahy will facilitate the Stepping On Falls Prevention class. Call 845-6456 for more information on the Stepping On Fall Prevention class.

The seven-week course will be held in the conference room at the new City-County Health District location at 415 2nd Ave. NE on Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. starting May 21 and ending July 2. The cost is $10 and will include all the materials, a leg weight to take home and a light snack.

Paula Thomsen, is a registered nurse at City-County Health District and Teresa Garrahy, ON THE MOVE program coordinator at Young People’s Healthy Heart Program at Mercy Hospital. Both Paula and Teresa are trained leaders for the Stepping On Falls Prevention program.