“Stepping On” Workshop To Help Improve Balance, Avoid Falls Is Now Accepting Registrations

OSWEGO – “Stepping On”, a workshop designed to help participants improve their balance and avoid falls is now accepting registrations.

“Stepping On” is an evidence-based program proven to reduce falls in older adults. The program is designed specifically for anyone who is 60 years or older, has had a fall in the past year or is fearful of falling, is able to walk independently or with minimal assistance of a cane/walker, and lives at home and does not have significant memory issues.

Classes will cover simple and fun strength and balance exercises, the role vision plays in keeping balance, how medications can contribute to falls, and much more. 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. Research has found that people who complete the workshop have a 31% reduced rate of falls.

The workshop will be held every Monday from 1:30-3:30, from June 4th to July 16th, at Bishop’s Commons in Oswego. Certified instructors from the Oswego County Health Department, Oswego Health Home Care and Bishop’s Commons will lead the workshop and be joined by expert guest speakers throughout the program. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. The Oswego County Falls Prevention Coalition will make this seven-session workshop and accompanying instructional material available free of charge to all class participants.

Registration is required and open to the public, space is limited. To register for the workshop or for more information about the “Stepping On” program, please call the Office for the Aging at 315-349-3484. Registrations will be accepted until May 25th.

Bishop’s Commons is located at 4 Burkle Street, on the St. Luke healthcare campus in the City of Oswego, just off State Route 481 (East River Road). On the web at www.bcommons.com.

About the Oswego County Falls Prevention Coalition: The Oswego County Falls Prevention Coalition is a multi-agency initiative committed to working together to measurably reduce the instances of falls and falls-related injuries in Oswego County residents.