SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Regional West Community Health and The Village at Regional West are teaming up to help prevent the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans − falling down.

One-third of Americans aged 65 and over fall each year and one out of five falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.

To reduce the risk of trauma from accidental falls, adults age 55 and older are invited to participate in a fall prevention program called “Stepping On.”

“Stepping On” is a class that covers balance, strength training, vision, medications, safe footwear, and potential fall hazards. It teaches seniors and those at a higher risk for falling how to spot risks, make their homes safer, and how to use regular activity to improve balance and coordination.

Any adult over 55 years old who has had a fall in the past year, has a fear of falling, and is living at home, and not suffering from dementia, can benefit from the “Stepping On” workshop.

Classes will be held every Tuesday, from April 4 through May 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at The Village at Regional West, 320 East 42^nd Street, Scottsbluff.

Register for “Stepping On” by March 27, by calling Terri Allen with Scotts Bluff County Health Department at 308-630-1580.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 182-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.