Saturday, July 31, 2010

Fall Prevention community outreach

I am excited about today's fall prevention workshop at the Hart Senior Center in mid-town Sacramento, CA because it offers me an excellent opportunity to educate older adults about fall risk factors and show them ways to reduce personal risk of falling through physical activity. Today's workshop is the first of the Area 4 Agency on Aging-funded grant program; same workshop as the Kaiser program, different funder who supports educating the community about fall prevention.

Last week I hosted the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale clinic at the same location and it's no surprise that several of the people I assessed will be in attendance today. I am so excited that these people get it...they want to reduce the risk of falling by learning how to safely challenge their balance and mobility. Congratulations Sacramento seniors for taking responsibility for your safety and independence!

The good news is that Sacramento residents still have a chance to get assessed and be part of this fall prevention exercise research study! The last 2 FAB clinics will be held at the following locations. Give this a try! There is no obligation to be in the study and I guarantee this assessment will be a real eye opener about your balance skills.

Tuesday, August 3: Oak Park Community Center: 11:30-3:30 pm
3425 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Sac 95817
Tuesday, August 10: Natomas Community Center: 1:30-5 pm
2921 Truxel Road Sac 95833

Reaching out to my community,
The Fall Prevention Lady

Friday, July 23, 2010

FAB clinic at Hart Senior Center

Sacramento has an active group of older adults who are concerned about falling. In addition to regularly attending various exercise classes, these people want to know what they can do to reduce the risk of falling. The best way to reduce the risk is find out your current status and try to improve from there.
16 people registered and attended my second fall risk assessment clinic at the Hart Senior Center and the waiting list is just as long. I assessed each person, one-on-one, using the research-based, scientifically proven Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale to determine fall risk. Participants also completed additional paperwork as part of my fall prevention exercise research study and will be randomly assigned to a control group or study group. The more data collected can help a professional balance and mobility instructor identify those who are moderate to high risk of falls.
The FallProof™ at Home DVD series is designed to help those who are in this category. The 3-DVD program is designed to progressively challenge one's balance, increase strength and improve flexibility. Creator Dr. Debra Rose is a world-renowned fall prevention expert who is the director of the Center for Successful Aging and the co-director at the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence.
If you are concerned about your balance or a loved one who has fallen, do your research. Invest your time and money in research-based, professionally endorsed products. Don't waste your money on balance manuals or pay for e-courses designed by unqualified personal trainers.

I want to thank the group of individuals who came to the Hart Senior Center on Wednesday to be assessed for fall risk. Congratulations for taking responsibility for your safety and independence.

An advocate, educator and friend,
The Fall Prevention Lady

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Fall Prevention presentation at Primrose Place | Senior Exer

Fall Prevention presentation at Primrose Place | Senior Exer

The Fall Prevention Lady: New fall prevention risk assessment testing site!

The Fall Prevention Lady: New fall prevention risk assessment testing site!

New fall prevention risk assessment testing site!

I just confirmed another testing site for my fall prevention exercise research study; Parkside Community Church in the Pocket area!
On Thursday, July 29 from 11am-3pm, I will be conducting the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB)scale to assess fall risk among participants. In this 10-item screening test, I will assess the body systems involved in balance and mobility. As a certified FallProof™ instructor, I am qualified to implement this research-based fall risk screening test.
Participants receive one-on-one instruction during the test to ensure personal safety. An individualized score card is sent to participants providing feedback on performance and overall fall risk. These test items were developed by Dr.Debra Rose, co-director of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and director of the Center of Successful Aging and can be a real eye opener to those who do not consider themselves at risk for falling.

Although it is my hope to identify candidates for my Fall Prevention Exercise research study, I will assess anyone who is interested in doing this test. I invite you to come out and get assessed!

THURSDAY JULY 29, 2010
11AM-3PM
PARKSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH
5700 South Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822-3309

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Fall Prevention exercise research study wants u!

Exercise at home. Learn cutting edge, RESEARCH-BASED techniques developed at the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence. Contribute to the field of knowledge in fall prevention exercise research.

1 in 3 older adults who live in the community will fall each year. Although associated with aging, falls are not a NATURAL part of growing older...the risk can be reduced. Nationally recognized fall prevention expert, DR. DEBRA ROSE, created a multi-dimensional approach to reducing the risk of falling.

Her evidenced-based program begins with a thorough assessment, the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale, to identify fall risk. Each person ages differently and therefore has different abilities and weaknesses. The FAB is intended for higher functioning older adults. It is crucial that the assessment tool fit the population.....

If you are an older adult who lives independently at home, have fallen in the past year or are concerned about falling, and live in the Sacramento region, researcher KELLY WARD's fall prevention exercise study might be just for you! She needs study participants who want to exercise at home following the FallProof™ at Home DVD series.
The FallProof™ at Home series consists of 3 progressively challenging DVDs. You are assessed before and after the 12-week study and monitor your individual progress. That's it. The DVD series is for those in the study group and offered to those who are randomly assigned to the control group.

Sacramento research study FULLERTON ADVANCED BALANCE scale clinics:

August 3: Oak Park Community Center. 12:30-5 pm: 3425 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 95817
August 7: Cordova Senior Activities Center. 10-2 pm: 3480 Routier Road. 95827
August 10: Natomas Community Center. 12:30-5 pm: 2921 Truxel Road. 95833
August 18: Eskaton. 1-5 pm. 5959 65th street 95823

Contact Kelly Ward if interested in participating. Participation is strictly voluntary and there is no compensation (pay) for your efforts. livinfit@gmail.com

The Fall Prevention Lady