Decide to prevent falls

The Stepping On fall prevention program (created by Dr. Lindy Clemson of Australia) is an amazing program.  I just completed a three-day Leader training program at the Wisconsin Institute of Healthy Aging in Madison, Wisconsin and I am so excited about bringing this program to California.

The 7-week program for older adults is designed to reduce fall risk and increase confidence in situations where a person may be at risk of a fall.   This evidence-based program is about building self-confidence, making decisions, and changing behaviors to prevent falls.  It truly encourages the participant to take responsibility and make wise choices to prevent a fall. 

As a Stepping On workshop leader, I will take off my "balance and mobility specialist" hat, remove my Fall Prevention Lady title and become a facilitator of change the Stepping On way!!!

Because fall prevention is about collaboration within the community, guest experts are invited each week to discuss topics such as strength and balance, vision, community safety, and medication management.  Other topics that we will discuss are home hazards, safe footwear, how to get up after a fall, safety in public places, and any other concerns the group may have. 

Similar to my community-based balance and mobility classes, the size of the group is limited to 10-14 people.  The Stepping On program is designed for the same target population as FallProof™: 

• Adults over the age of 60
• Live independently in the community
• Have fallen or are at risk of falling
• Are cognitively intact (no dementia)
• Do not use an assistive device such as a cane or walker for mobility.  

In otherwords, the program is for those who live at home, who want to stay at home, remain independent and learn how to prevent a future fall.

I am working with the California Department of Public Health to present this program in the Sacramento area and I look forward to seeing how the program changes peoples lives.  I hope this turns into a full or part-time position that allows me to travel throughout the state teaching others how to teach the program. 


Although not endorsed specifically by the leaders, my book is a perfect supplement to this program.  Why?  Because I teach about situations that increase the risk of a fall and how to reduce that risk.  I demonstrate evidence-based balance and strengthening exercises in addition to flexibility and endurance activities and I facilitate practice at home with adherence charts and checklists.

Check out my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention!  It's right on time! 

Stepping On,
The Fall Prevention Lady

Stepping On Fall Prevention Training

I'm headed to Madison, Wisconsin today for a 3-day training in the fall prevention program, Stepping On.  The California Department of Public Health is sponsoring me to become educated in this national award winning program that combines education, exercise and assessment as a multifactorial approach to reducing the number of falls among older adults who live in the community.

Just as there are numerous causes for falls, a person must do more than one thing to reduce the risk of falling.  Exercise is by the most effective way but an education about what causes falls is also necessary.  In my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention, I do just that; I educate about fall risks and then demonstrate the different types of exercise a person must do to remain independent.

I am looking forward to becoming certified to instruct the Stepping On program and hope this leads to future employment with the California Department of Public Health and Area 4 Agency on Aging...or maybe a position in Wisconsin!  Good things are going to happen and I am willing to go wherever I am needed.

Praise God for this opportunity!
The Fall Prevention Lady

Senior Injury Prevention Conference

I'm headed to Oakland on Thursday to attend the 12th Annual Senior Injury Prevention Conference.  Co-sponsored by Alameda county, the California Department of Public Health, Kaiser, Vital Link Emergency Response and Sutter Hospital, this event is sure to be one of the best learning opportunities in the area.

Since the focus is injury prevention, fall risk reduction is the underlying theme.  Topics to be covered by industry experts include medication safety update, building safe and healthy communities (housing, transportation, education and continuity of care) and falls and hearing loss.  I love to learn and this is the best way to stay current on topics related to seniors and injury prevention.

Falls are quickly becoming a PUBLIC HEALTH epidemic as our population ages.  Appropriately, Barb Alberson, Chief of the Injury Control section of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is the moderator.  The CDPH is taking an active role in presenting evidence-based fall prevention programs to adults who need it the most.  I am excited about working with them in the future.

I went to this conference last year in Sacramento and it was outstanding. Alameda county is on the cutting edge of senior injury prevention and have some innovative fall prevention programs.   I love conferences!

Always learning,
The Fall Prevention Lady