Extension, Public Health partner on fall prevention program

 One in four older adults has a fall each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and falls are the leading cause of injury and death for older Americans. In fact, an estimated 50% of older adults, 80 and older, will fall each year. The consequences of falls are substantial, including serious injury, loss of independent living and limits on physical activity. By 2020, the total cost of fall injuries was projected to reach $67.7 billion.

 A total of 926 North Dakota residents died due to falls from 2008 through 2017, an average of 92 deaths per year. Seventy-nine percent of these deaths were 75 and older. But the good news, according to Eddy County Extension Agent Donna Anderson, is that falls are not a normal part of aging and can be prevented.

 The Stepping On Program, offered in New Rockford by NDSU Extension and Eddy County Public Health, has been researched and proven to reduce falls by 31%, and will take place starting April 7 at New Rockford Senior Citizen Center. The morning session will be 9 - 11 a.m. Currently, Extension is looking to fill the 9 a.m. session before filling the afternoon session of the program. An afternoon overfill session will be offered from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

 In just seven weekly 2-hour sessions, Stepping On gives participants strategies for avoiding falls including balance and strength exercises, home safety check suggestions, medication review, and more. Guest experts including a physical therapist and pharmacist and others visit over the course of the seven sessions providing falls prevention information and strategies for avoiding a fall. The workshop is designed specifically for people who age 60 or older and have fallen and have a fear of falling. Participants can expect to leave with more strength, better balance, and a feeling of confidence and independence.

 Pre-registration is required. To register for Stepping On, contact The Eddy County Extension office at (701) 947-2454 or [email protected]. Online registration for Eddy County Extension programs are offered through https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/eddycountyextension/eddy-county-extension-events . No fee will be charged as this is a grant funded program.

 NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231- 7708, [email protected]. This publication is available in alternate format upon request. Please contact the owner of the publication (701)- 947-2454. Requests for accommodations related to disability should be made to Eddy County Extension at (701) 947-2454 or email [email protected] by March 24.