(8/27/12) The Stepping On workshop is an evidence-based falls prevention program aimed at educating participants and building confidence in order to reduce or eliminate falls. The classes are instructed by a health professional and a lay leader.
We meet for two hours a week for seven weeks. Over the course of seven weeks the participants learn simple balance and strength training exercises, the role vision plays in keeping our balance, ways to stay safe at home and in the community, what to look for in safe footwear and how medication can contribute to a fall. We have local guest speakers present information on these topics and a BRMH Physical Therapist give participants instruction on balance and strengthening exercises.
Those that can benefit from the program are anyone who is 65 years or over, has had a fall in the past year and/or is fearful of falling. The participants learn with people from the community that are their own age and share with one another strategies for fall prevention.
The next Stepping On class, sponsored by Black River Memorial Hospital, Jackson County Aging and ADRC, will start September 10, 2012 at Black River Memorial Hospital. The classes will be held every Monday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., running from September 10 through October 22.
Interested participants can register by calling the BRMH Rehabilitation Department at 715-284-1330. There will be no charge for participants.
Photo Caption: (L to R) Joanne Capper, Chris Kinley, Jane Ernst, Stacy Armitage (BRMH Health Professional), Ruth Hart, Janet Krohn, Janet Barney & Mardi Fries. These ladies participated in the 2011 Stepping On program and attended the Stepping On class reunion at the hospital on August 16th. With the help of Stepping On, most of these ladies made some type of modification at home to decrease their risk for falling.
