Do you have a friend or relative who has fallen? Have you fallen yourself? If so, you’re not alone. Each year in the US, more than 1.6 million adults age 65 and older go to emergency departments for fall-related injuries. That’s more than one in three people age 65 and older who fall each year. Among older adults, falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury deaths

The Southwest Suburban Health Department partners with the West Allis Senior Center to host the Falls Prevention Program “Stepping On”. “Stepping On” is a research-based program to reduce falls and increase fall awareness. This is a 2 hour, 7 week session which offers older adults a way of reducing falls and at the same time increasing self confidence in situations where they are at risk of falling. Classes will be held throughout the year.

There is currently no fee for this program and you will be given an adjustable 5 lb ankle weight, and provided presentations by a physical therapist, vision specialist, pharmacist, firefighter, and more!