It has been hard being stuck at home during the pandemic and winter months and not moving as much as we might have liked.  Inactivity can take a toll on our bodies as we can lose strength, balance and flexibility.  Many of us know someone who has had a fall that drastically changed their lives.  Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every 20 minutes an older adult dies from a fall?  A fall can mean drastic changes to how we live.  Did you also know that fear of falling can lead to having a fall?  There IS something we can do - we can be proactive and attend the Healthy Steps to prevent falls.      

Due to high demand, COSA is offering the Healthy Steps Program online on ZOOM in collaboration with Crozer Health’s Trauma Department. Across our state many folks come into emergency room doors and are admitted to the hospital due to falls.  We also know that fall prevention can be the key to preventing falls because when you are aware and prepared,  falls CAN be prevented – Spread the word!  Healthy Steps is a 2-session program offered to adults age 60 and over, developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to reduce the risk of falls among older adults.  The program’s focus is on:

*Environmental & Home Safety            *Health Status/Disease States

*Nutrition                                                    *Maintaining an Active Lifestyle

*Foot Health                                                *Social Connectedness

 *Sensory Deficits (vision & hearing)       *Mental & Spiritual Well-being

*Side Effects of Medication         

*Exercises to Increase Strength, Balance & Flexibility

Join us.  Healthy Steps will be held online on Monday, July 25^th and Tuesday, July 26^th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on ZOOM.  Space is limited so register soon.  Contact williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or call 610-499-1937.  Provide your name, address, phone number, and email address.  You will be contacted to fill out your registration as well provide you with a functional physical assessment to determine your risk for falling.  You will then be mailed the program materials and emailed the Zoom link for our sessions. 

There is no better time than now to become fall smart!