Learn to Prevent Falls with Free Workshop

Fargo Cass Public Health is announcing registration for a free 7-week fall prevention workshop for area residents ages 60 and older.

Stepping On will help participants identify why they fall and different ways to prevent falls, including strength and balance exercises, home safety check suggestions and a medication review.  Participants will view a display of falls prevention products.  The workshop is both for people who have fallen and for people who fear falling.  Participants will leave with more strength, achieve better balance, and experience a feeling of confidence and independence as a result of performing various exercises and sharing personal falls experiences as a group.

Dr. Lindy Clemson of Sydney, Australia, developed the program to help older adults learn ways to prevent falls. Dr. Jane Mahoney, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, brought it to the United States with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and other partners.  The research has found that people who complete the workshop have a 31% reduced rate of falls.

Stepping On will be held each Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., beginning September 20 and ending November 1.  The workshop will take place at Fargo Cass Public Health, 1240 25th Street South, Fargo.  Contact Heather Becher, RN, at 701.241.1384 to register.  The registration deadline is September 12, 2018.