Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 1, 2021

MAINTAIN Strength and Independence Sign up for our online Balance and Fitness class By Andrea Nagel Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for adults 65 years and older, often resulting in permanent disabilities, loss of independence or possibly life- threatening injuries. To help reduce the number of ground level injuries in our community, Kootenai Health is now offering its Balance and Fitness class online. “Ground-level falls are the most common trauma injury nationwide,” Wendy Ferguson, RN, Kootenai Health Injury Prevention Coordinator, said. “Between January and November of 2020, we saw 420 patients due to falling. Of those, 335 were over the age of 65.” Kootenai Health’s free online exercise class helps participants enhance their strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility while reducing their risk of falling. After registering for the class, participants receive login information, a supply list and resistance bands, all at no charge. Balance and Fitness classes offer several benefits to older adults, including helping them: • Maintain an independent, freely functioning lifestyle • Improve muscular strength • Become more flexible so it’s easier to reach and bend • Increase balance and posture • Improve mobility, endurance and walking gait FourThings You Can Do to Prevent Falls: Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength and balance. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines. Get annual eye checkups and update your eyeglasses. Make your home safer by:  Removing clutter and tripping hazards  Removing small throw rugs  Putting railings on all stairs and adding grab bars in the bathroom  Having good lighting, especially on stairs  Keeping commonly used items within reach and avoiding the use of a step stool  Using a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower  Wearing supportive shoes and avoiding slippers or going barefoot Balance and Fitness classes are every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. (excluding major holidays). To learn more and register, call Kootenai Health’s Injury Prevention program at (208) 625-5722 or email trauma@KH.org . You can also watch pre-recorded classes at KH.org/ injury-prevention . 18 “We’re excited to offer these free classes and online videos to our participants. When we had to cancel our classes last year due to COVID-19, we knew we needed to do something to continue providing this important resource.” —Wendy Ferguson, BSN, RN, CEN