UTMB Health Trauma Services is offering a free fitness class in League City to help older adults avoid falls, the leading cause of injury for people 65 and older.

The S.A.I.L. program, short for Stay Active and Independent for Life, meets Mondays and Wednesdays at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 2508 St. Christopher Ave. The program launched Aug. 24 with sessions from 8 to 9 a.m., according to UTMB's event calendar. A second session, from 9 to 10 a.m., starts Monday, Sept. 7.

The class is free. Participants do not need to be UTMB patients or members of the church.

Each one-hour session covers aerobics, balance exercises, strength training, stretching and fall prevention education. Exercises can be modified for sitting, and participants are encouraged to take breaks as needed, according to UTMB Trauma Services.

Kelly Ferguson, a registered nurse and trauma/injury prevention specialist with UTMB Health Trauma Services, leads the class. Ferguson holds a Master of Science in Nursing.

The S.A.I.L. program was originally built for adults 65 and older, but UTMB's League City sessions welcome anyone 50 and up. The National Council on Aging recognizes S.A.I.L. as meeting the Administration for Community Living's criteria for evidence-based fall prevention programs. The program can accommodate people with mild mobility difficulty, including occasional cane users.

One in four adults 65 and older reports falling each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 37% of those who fall require medical treatment or have their activity restricted for at least a day.

UTMB's event calendar lists sessions through at least Sept. 21. No end date has been announced. Anyone interested in attending can email Kelly Ferguson at [email protected] or call 713-301-0044.

Community events this fall:

  • S.A.I.L. fall prevention class: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-9 a.m. (second session 9-10 a.m. starting Sept. 7), St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 2508 St. Christopher Ave. Free.
  • Helen Hall Library Friday movie nights: Starting Friday, Sept. 4. Free for adults.
  • Clear Lake Area Chamber Chairman's Ball: Oct. 2.