Healthy Life

Registration is open for a workshop to help seniors improve their balance and avoid falls.

"Stepping On" is an evidence-based program proven to reduce falls in older adults. The workshop will be presented for two hours, once a week, for seven weeks at Bishop's Commons at St. Luke, located at 4 Burkle Street in Oswego, just off State Route 481.

Classes run from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. beginning Tuesday, April 23 continuing through June 4. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. The Oswego County Falls Prevention Coalition has made this seven-session workshop and instructional material available free of charge to all participants. Registration is open to the public.  

The classes will be led by certified instructors from the Oswego County Health Department and Oswego Health Home Care, and are designed for anyone 60 years of age or older who has had a fall in the past year, or is fearful of falling. Participants must be able to walk independently or with minimal assistance of a cane or walker. They must live at home, and not have significant memory issues.  

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

Registration is required as space is limited. To register for the workshop or for more information about the "Stepping On" program, call NY Connects at 315-349-8697.