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Fall Prevention

Falling is very common; it can result in injury and can shake your confidence.  The threat of falling can be a barrier to safely doing all the things you want to do at home and in the community.  That’s why preventing falls is critical to maintaining independence.

Stepping On: Building confidence, reducing falls

What is Stepping On: Building confidence, reducing falls?

Stepping On is a program that has been researched and proven to reduce falls in older people.

It consists of a workshop that meets for two hours a week for seven weeks.  Workshops are led by a health professional and a peer leader – someone who, just like you, is concerned about falls.  In addition, local guest experts provide information on exercise, vision, safety, and medications.

Should I Attend?

Stepping On is designed specifically for anyone who:

  • Is 60 or older
  • Has had a fall in the past year
  • Is fearful of falling
  • Lives at home
  • Does not have dementia

What will I Learn?

  • Simple and fun balance and strength training
  • The role vision plays in keeping your balance
  • How medications can contribute to falls
  • Ways to keep from falling when out in your community
  • What to look for in safe footwear
  • How to eliminate falls hazards from your home

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance

What is Tai chi: Moving for Better Balance?

Tai chi: Moving for Better Balance helps older adults improve their balance and reduce the likelihood of falling. Research has shown that people who complete the program are half as likely to fall and are less fearful about falling.

Should I Attend?

  • The program is intended for community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and older, who can walk easily with or without assistive devices.

What will I Learn?

  • Participants will learn balance skills, good body alignment, and coordinated Tai chi movements.

How Often Will I Need to Practice?

  • Participants should practice Tai chi: Moving for Better Balance for approximately three hours each week.

What Health Benefits Will I See?

  • Improved physical health that leads to better functioning in daily activities.
  • Improved balance, muscle strength, flexibility and mobility.
  • Better mental health such as increased self-esteem and less social isolation.
  • Contact the Fall Prevention Coordinator at 402-462-6211 today for more information and to learn how you can get involved.

Current Classes:

  • Hastings
    Hastings
  • Superior
    Superior
  • Red Cloud
    Red Cloud
  • Nelson
    Nelson
  • Hastings YMCA
    Hastings YMCA

What We Do

Community Health Improvement

The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is developed from the Community Health Needs Assessment. Priority objectives are developed to address determined priority areas of need. Collaborative work groups (1) evaluate data and trends to (2) develop goals and strategies to (3) implement interventions.

To view South Heartland District's CHIP progress, click here.

How Healthy Are We?

Local Health Data from the South Heartland District Health Department provides health information for residents of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster counties. Three survey reports provide information on health behaviors, chronic health conditions, and the use of preventive services. Click here for more information

Vaccination Program

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program helps immunize children whose parents or guardians cannot afford it. This helps ensure that all children have a better chance of receiving recommended immunizations on time. Vaccines available through the VFC Program are those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These vaccines protect babies, young children, and teens from 16 diseases.