Falls prevention workshop at Putnam Hospital Center

Each year, one out of every four Americans age 65 and over takes a fall, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To combat this troubling statistic, Putnam Hospital Center will offer a falls prevention workshop in September.

The seven-week Stepping On program is for adults 60 and older who live independently and do not rely on a walker, scooter or wheelchair most of the time.

Stepping On will be led by Putnam Hospital Center physical therapists Kirsi Vera and Holly Hagin from 1 to 3 p.m. for seven consecutive Tuesdays from Sept. 11 to Nov. 23 in the Michael T. Weber Conference Rooms, 670 Stoneleigh Ave.

During the sessions, participants will learn strength and balance exercises, safe footwear, home modifications, the impact medication and vision have on falls, as well as community safety.

“Falls can be physically, financially and emotionally devastating. Fear of falling often limits older adults and results in reduced mobility and isolation,” Vera said. “The good news is people can learn how to prevent falls. The Stepping On workshop is a wonderful complement to medical care, equipping older adults to take control of their lives and make changes in their home and lifestyle to reduce their risk.”

Stepping On was created at the University of Sydney in Australia and adapted by a geriatric physician and falls expert from the University of Wisconsin. Research has shown workshop participants reduce falls by more than 30 percent.

The registration fee for the program is $25. To register and learn more, call the Putnam Hospital Center Rehabilitation Department at 845-279-1785 (TTY 1-800-421-1220).