Regency Place...Stand Up to Falls

I presented my 3-hour fall risk reduction exercise workshop at the Regency Place in Sacramento, California yesterday. Surprisingly, most of the crowd were not residents of the beautiful facility but local residents. As part of grant funded by Kaiser Permanente, the City of Sacramento's 50+ Wellness program hired me to educate about and demonstrate fall prevention techniques at six locations. Each group is limited to twenty-five people and the groups have been wonderful!
One in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year and the results can be tragic. The costs, both emotional and financial, can be devastating. As a result, falls are quickly becoming a public health concern. This is evident to me when I walk into a crowded room where every person in the room has fallen or is concerned about falling. I am so proud of these individuals for taking responsibility for their well being by learning what they can do to reduce the risk of such an accident.

Yesterday's group worked hard and several people told me how much better the exercises made them feel. These adults get it. They came out in the wind and rain to learn about fall risk reduction techniques. I love it!
Next workshop:
February 20, George Simm Community Center 12:30-4:30
The Fall Prevention Lady.

Educate. Motivate. Demonstrate.

It's hard for me to describe what I do. I am a personal fitness trainer. I am a gerontologist. I am a balance and mobility specialist. I am a fall risk reduction exercise instructor. I am a health educator. It seems that all of a sudden, the years of education and training are coming together. Wonderfully. As I head into the final stretch of my master of science studies, my path is clear before me. The best part about it? I love what I do.
Many people struggle through life wondering what their purpose is and I have been that person. After an extended family vacation in Pennsylvania, my purpose is solidified in my mind. I am doing what I was intended to do: help older adults reduce the risk of an accidental fall through the application of consistent physical movement designed to increase strength and flexibility while improving balance and mobility.
I am the vehicle to deliver a renewed hope. To encourage people to take responsibility for their health. The first way to be accountable is to be educated. You cannot succeed or make a change if you are not aware of the changes that need to be made or how you can contribute to your personal success. Life is about living. Sometimes we need to be shown a new way.
Everything was fine in '09 but it's time to win in '10. Out with the old, negative mindsets and in with the fresh, positive attitude that begins with you. Take 5 to Exercise each day. Be consistent. Perservere. It works.
The Fall Prevention Lady