Fear of Falling? Rockland Offers Free Classes

from the Rockland County Health Department

Have you or anyone you know fallen recently? Could the fall have been prevented?

“The good news is that most falls are not accidents and can be prevented. By understanding how to prevent falls, you can reduce your risk of falling and remain independent and healthy,” said Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

An injury from a fall can change your life in an instant. Take the Rockland County Department of Health’s free fall-prevention class, A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls, and take charge of your life. Classes meet two hours a week for eight weeks. Six of the sessions include a segment devoted to mild to moderate exercises, which are designed to increase your balance, strength and flexibility. You will meet other people, get group support, and learn to: develop confidence; set realistic goals to increase activity; make changes to reduce the risks of falls at home; and exercise to increase strength and balance.

Reserve a spot in either of the following Matter of Balance classes by calling 845-364-2501:

• Tuesdays, September 9 to October 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Orangeburg Library, 20 Greenbush Road in Orangeburg OR

• Tuesdays, September 9 to October 28, from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm at the Nanuet Library, 149 Church Street in Nanuet

Follow these simple tips to help prevent a fall:

• Get up from a chair slowly; before moving forward, take a second to balance yourself, and count to ten before you take a step.

• Sit down to put your pants on.

• Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes with low heels and non-slip soles.

• See an eye specialist once a year. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

• Review your medications annually with your doctor. Some medications have side effects that can cause dizziness.

• Increase physical activity – regular exercise increases balance and strength.

• Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs and clutter in walkways.

• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.

• Have grab bars installed next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.

• Have handrails on both sides of stairways and improve lighting in the entire home.

• Ask for help if you need to reach items on high shelves or use a reacher (a device to help you), rather than stand on unsteady chairs or ladders. Keep items you use the most within reach.

• Ask your health care provider to do a fall risk assessment at your annual check-up. Medicare covers fall risk assessments and referrals (called STEADI – Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) as part of your annual check-up.