Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (ELVPHD) is
excited to announce that a new Stepping
On class series is to begin on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, in West Point. Stepping On is an evidence-based program,
and studies have shown that the fall rate among Stepping On participants was reduced
about 30 percent compared with those who did not participate in the program. Preventing falls in people 65 and older is important
to helping seniors live independently.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, nationally one in three adults aged 65 and older falls
each year and 2 million are treated for fall-related injuries in the emergency
room. Research shows that of those that
fall each year, less than half tell their doctor, and falling one time doubles
the chances of having a future fall. Within the ELVPHD health district,
about 1 in 4 (22.7%) people aged 45 and over had fallen in the past year
according to the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data
compared to 26.1% for the State of Nebraska overall. Many falls can be
prevented, and programs such as Stepping
On gives seniors the tools they need to reduce their chance of falling.
The program is open to the public and will meet once per
week for seven weeks from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. beginning Tuesday, July 11th at the
Sunshine Senior Center in West Point. Topics will include: vision, outdoor
safety, footwear, medication management, home safety, mobility aids, balance
and exercise. In addition to the program facilitator, guest experts will lead some
sessions. The class is free, and registration is required. Please contact
ELVPHD at 402-529-2233 or 402-372-3800 or info@elvphd.org
for more information or to register for Stepping
On.