Do you have a friend or relative who has fallen? Have you fallen yourself? If so, you’re not alone. Each year in the US, more than 1.6 million adults age 65 and older go to emergency departments for fall-related injuries. That’s more than one in three people age 65 and older who fall each year. Among older adults, falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury deaths.

Even if you haven’t fallen, the fear of falling becomes more common as people get older. This fear may lead older people to limit or avoid activities such as walking, shopping, or socializing. Unfortunately, this reduced mobility and physical fitness can actually increase the risk of falling.

Stay Independent!! Don’t let the fear of falling rule your life. There are many things that can help reduce the risk of falling.

The Oak Creek Health Department is now enrolling participants in the Fall Prevention Program “Stepping On”. “Stepping On” is a research-based program to reduce falls and increase fall awareness. This is a 2 hour, 7 week session which offers older adults a way of reducing falls and at the same time increasing self confidence in situations where they are at risk of falling. Classes will be held throughout the year. Call the health department for more information. 414-768-6525

Fee: $10.00 for the entire 7 week session. Light snack provided.

Class Sessions

Session 1:
Monday Class: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
February 22, 2010 – April 5, 2010
Manor Pointe, 700 E Stonegate Drive, Oak Creek, WI
(Completed)

Session 2:
Wednesday Class: 10:00am - 12:00pm
April 21, 2010 – June 2, 2010
Oak Creek City Hall Council Chambers, 8640 S Howell Avenue, Oak Creek, WI
(Completed)

Read the Fall Prevention Tip of the Month to increase your knowledge so that you can be in control of falls. Remember falls are not inevitable and you can make a difference.

At this time the classes are available to Oak Creek Residents only.
Please call the Health Department at 768-6525 for further information.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute on Aging, Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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