Stepping On | Video

Kristin Clouston | 6/25/2012

The older we get, the more likely we are to be injured in a fall. Between 2007 and 2010, 324 North Dakotans over the age of 65 died from injuries they received in falls. The State Health Department is working to change that by using a program designed to help prevent seniors from falling.

Stepping On is a seven week workshop that helps participants identify why the fall and different ways to prevent falls. Research has shown people who complete the course have a 31 percent reduced rate of falls.

Everybody falls, but for seniors, a fall can be deadly. The workshop is for anyone 65 or older who has fallen or has a fear of falling. Joan Knoefler says she`s glad she signed up when she did.

"Actually, I had a fall two days after I started the class which is kind of ironic. I was taking out my trash and apparently the trash was heavy and I fell and I had a dislocated elbow. It was very painful. That`s been approximately six weeks and I`m still recovering from it."

"We look at medications, some make you dizzy and light headed, shoes, footwear that sort of thing," said instructor Rich Ott.

Part of the class involves doing strength and balancing exercises. Class members are also supposed to practice the exercises at home.

"I`ve taken away a lot of helpful things, especially how to prepare my home. The cords, watch out for cords and make sure you have a light on in the evening, a night light, what kind of shoes to wear and of course the exercise is very important to avoid future falls," Knoefler said.

After the course is over, the leader either makes a home visit or calls participants to follow up and assist with home modifications.

Those interested in hosting Stepping On can call Diana Reed at the North Dakota Department of Health at (701) 328-4537.

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