September is Falls Prevention Month!Commissioner of Health Services, Dr. James Tomarken, invites mature residents to attend Suffolk County’s national award-winning program focused on falls prevention. The program is intended to empower mature adults to engage in behaviors that reduce the risks of falls and improve their quality of life. From 2011 and 2016, more than 11,500 senior citizens have participated in Suffolk County’s falls prevention programs.
‘Stepping On,’ a CDC model program, comprises a seven-week workshop that focuses on balance and strength, home and community safety, vision, safe footwear and medication review. The program has proven to reduce the number of falls for participants by 31 percent.
A second option entitled Staying Independent for Life covers much of the information that is provided in the ‘Stepping On’ program in a condensed two-hour session.
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is an evidence-based program that applies the principles and movements of Tai Chi ito help mature residents improve their balance and increase their confidence in performing everyday activities. Tai Chi workshops are led by trained, certified instructors. The classes meet for one hour twice a week for eight weeks.
Suffolk County falls prevention workshops will be offered as follows:
Staying Independent for Life
Shirley
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mastic Shirley Moriches Library, 407 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley, NY 11967
To register call 631-399-1511
Patchogue
Friday, September 15, 2017, 1:00 p.m. -- 3:00 p.m.
Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
To register call 631-654-4700
‘Stepping On’
Smithtown
Dates: Tuesday, September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 2017
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Smithtown Library, North Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787
To register call 631-360-2480
Holbrook
Dates: Wednesday, September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook, NY 11741
To register call 631-588-5024
TAI CHI
East Hampton
East Hampton Library
159 Main Street, East Hampton, New York
Dates: September 26, 28; October 3, 5, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31; November 2, 6, 9, 14, 16, 20, 21
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
To Register Call: 631-324-0222
Sag Harbor
John Jermain Memorial Library
201 Main Street, Sag Harbor, New York 11963
Dates: October 2, 3, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30; November 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 21, 27, 30
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
To register call 631-725-0049
Additional programs will be rolled out in communities throughout Suffolk County over the course of the year. For more information about Suffolk County Falls Prevention Programs, call the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-853-6492 or visit: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/PreventiveMedicine/FallsPrevention.aspx
Video: Seniors Learn How to Reduce Falls at Suffolk County’s Falls Prevention Programs
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