ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is helping adults 65 or older prevent injuries from falls through a fitness program that improves strength, balance and flexibility.

Participants in the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) fitness program at Texas Health Dallas.

The Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) fitness program, led by Texas Health Dallas, is held at the Harry Stone Recreation Center, located at 2403 Millmar Dr. in Dallas.

“This strength training is crucial,” said Cathy Glenn, B.S.N., R.N., CEN, TCRN, injury prevention trauma outreach coordinator at Texas Health Dallas. “Every move we make here is intentional, because we are working to improve their health while helping prevent falls.”

The free hour-long classes started in January. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“It is crucial to equip our seniors with programs like SAIL, empowering them to maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives” said Lindsey Rider, manager of senior programs for the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department.

Texas Health Dallas and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, both designated Level I Trauma Centers, offer free classes through injury prevention trauma outreach programs. SAIL classes are among the multiple trauma prevention education programs promoted as part of the system’s Community Health Ministry. Texas Health’s injury prevention trauma outreach coordinators have also led the “A Matter of Balance,” fall prevention program. Texas Health has offered fall prevention outreach in various communities, including Hurst-Euless-Bedford and Plano.

“Helping educate North Texans about fall prevention is one way we are working to improve the health of the people in the communities we serve,” said Paula Green, M.S.N., R.N., CCRN, CFRN, injury prevention and outreach coordinator for trauma services at Texas Health Fort Worth.

Fall prevention education is key to helping people 65 or older avoid serious injuries. Each year, there are about 3 million emergency department visits by older people due to falls, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Falls can cause broken wrists, arms and ankles, as well as hip fractures and head injuries. Fear of falling is a worry that keeps many senior citizens from taking part in activities, the CDC states.

Glenn checks each participant’s strength and agility so she can include moves tailored to each person’s level. Some participants are taking the class to exercise, while others are managing health conditions – from knee pain to the side effects of chemotherapy or diabetes.

“My promise to them is that they are going to be safe here,” she said. “I think they like being encouraged to move by a medical professional who is also asking them to have fun.”

Lupe Gonzales, 71, said she has struggled to blow-dry her hair because her arms get tired.

“Since I started doing this class, I can stand up while I am drying my hair. It sounds like a little thing, but it is a big thing for me,” she said. “It has given me arm strength. I want to continue to gain strength in my legs.”

Building mobility helps participants find the confidence to navigate public spaces that may not be easy for older people to access, she said. For example, stepping up and down from curbs, she said.

While building muscles, participants also build camaraderie.

Janet Cole, 79, said she has fun while focusing on her health. She’s also letting go of some fears.

“I had a stroke about 13 years ago,” Cole said. “I have learned from this class that walking backwards is great for improving balance and increasing blood flow to the knees. I would not have considered taking a step backward for all these years. I started trying and now I can walk backward. That has been a big thing for me – I’m not afraid to walk backward anymore.”

To find out more about SAIL

Online: www.texashealth.org/About-Texas-Health/Community-Affairs/Community-Health-Ministry.

For more information

At Texas Health Dallas: Email Cathy Glenn, B.S.N., R.N., CEN, TCRN, injury prevention trauma outreach coordinator, CatherineGlenn@texashealth.org, to sign up for the classes.

At Texas Health Fort Worth: Paula Green, M.S.N., R.N., CCRN, CFRN, injury prevention and outreach coordinator for trauma services, PaulaGreen2@TexasHealth.org. A seven-week class is scheduled to start Sept. 25 at the North Tri-Ethnic Community Center, 2950 Roosevelt Ave., Fort Worth. Contact Green for more information.