Monday, March 21, 2011
Life after an older adult falls.... | Senior Exercise Videos
Life after an older adult falls.... | Senior Exercise Videos: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Fall Prevention at the Therapeutic Recreation Institute
In order to remain current on trends in their field, professionals are often required to complete a certain number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) each year.
This year, the CPRS annual conference was held in Sacramento and offered the "Therapeutic Recreation Institute" specifically for recreation therapists. The all-day event provided breakout sessions and plenty of opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals. I was particularly thrilled to meet Dr. Ken Mobily of the University of Iowa who was the opening keynote speaker and offered an afternoon session about strength training and fall prevention.
I was ecstatic as I listened to Dr. Mobily talk about the same the topics I cover in my fall prevention exercise presentations. There were a few different approaches to balance training but he and I decided that those differences provide the basis for a great research study! I appreciated his wisdom about program structure and consider him a mentor of mine. I am grateful for meeting this remarkable professor and the Therapeutic Recreation Institution.
A person can remain independent by following a consistent exercise program that includes flexibility, strength, balance and endurance training. The less you do, the weaker you become, especially in the 8th decade of life. The weaker you are, the greater the risk of falling.
The moral? Take 5 to Exercise each day to remain independent. It's never too late to benefit from an exercise program. Start simple. As Dr. Mobily said, "the best piece of equipment is a sturdy chair". Take 5 to Exercise offers seated exercise routines designed to reduce the risk of a fall. Order yours today.
The Fall Prevention Lady
- As an AFAA-certified personal fitness trainer, I have to complete 15 CEUs each year.
- As a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility instructor, I am required to teach 100 hours of FallProof™ balance and mobility coursework, complete 5 full program assessments and fulfill 5 hours of CEUs in older adult programming.
- As a recently certified CTRS, I have to complete 10 hours of CEUs in the recreation therapy field. Wow...lots of continuing education for me!
This year, the CPRS annual conference was held in Sacramento and offered the "Therapeutic Recreation Institute" specifically for recreation therapists. The all-day event provided breakout sessions and plenty of opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals. I was particularly thrilled to meet Dr. Ken Mobily of the University of Iowa who was the opening keynote speaker and offered an afternoon session about strength training and fall prevention.
I was ecstatic as I listened to Dr. Mobily talk about the same the topics I cover in my fall prevention exercise presentations. There were a few different approaches to balance training but he and I decided that those differences provide the basis for a great research study! I appreciated his wisdom about program structure and consider him a mentor of mine. I am grateful for meeting this remarkable professor and the Therapeutic Recreation Institution.
A person can remain independent by following a consistent exercise program that includes flexibility, strength, balance and endurance training. The less you do, the weaker you become, especially in the 8th decade of life. The weaker you are, the greater the risk of falling.
The moral? Take 5 to Exercise each day to remain independent. It's never too late to benefit from an exercise program. Start simple. As Dr. Mobily said, "the best piece of equipment is a sturdy chair". Take 5 to Exercise offers seated exercise routines designed to reduce the risk of a fall. Order yours today.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
“It’s a Balancing Act – Fall Prevention in Older Adults”
Today I was a guest on an episode of the Sacramento educational TV series “Older, Fitter, Wiser. The Art of Aging Well”. Dr. Moira Fordyce interviewed me to discuss a public health epidemic among the aging population and how a person can reduce the risk of losing her/his independence. Today, we talked about fall prevention.
As a geriatrician, Dr. Fordyce is familiar not only with the consequences of falls but also factors that increase the risk of falling. Falls are accidents and even though accidents happen, a person can significantly reduce the risk of falling through increased awareness. Fall prevention is much more than picking up throw rugs or having a hallway nightlight. There are multiple causes for falls and fall prevention researchers recommend a multi-factorial approach to fall risk reduction.
Fall risk reduction is about increased awareness. A person needs to be aware of home safety, medication management, physical limitations, and lifestyle choices that increase the risk of falling. When asked the best way to reduce the risk of falling, I replied, "Following a consistent exercise program". I recommend a well-rounded exercise program that includes flexibility, strength, balance and endurance training. I recommend that people Take 5 to Exercise each day.
It's time to get back to the basics, the basic 5 stretches. Start slow, increase gradually. Be patient, stick with it. You can reduce the risk of falling.
See you on Episode #17, Comcast 20 or Surewest 19. I'll keep you posted!
The Fall Prevention Lady
As a geriatrician, Dr. Fordyce is familiar not only with the consequences of falls but also factors that increase the risk of falling. Falls are accidents and even though accidents happen, a person can significantly reduce the risk of falling through increased awareness. Fall prevention is much more than picking up throw rugs or having a hallway nightlight. There are multiple causes for falls and fall prevention researchers recommend a multi-factorial approach to fall risk reduction.
Fall risk reduction is about increased awareness. A person needs to be aware of home safety, medication management, physical limitations, and lifestyle choices that increase the risk of falling. When asked the best way to reduce the risk of falling, I replied, "Following a consistent exercise program". I recommend a well-rounded exercise program that includes flexibility, strength, balance and endurance training. I recommend that people Take 5 to Exercise each day.
It's time to get back to the basics, the basic 5 stretches. Start slow, increase gradually. Be patient, stick with it. You can reduce the risk of falling.
See you on Episode #17, Comcast 20 or Surewest 19. I'll keep you posted!
The Fall Prevention Lady
Friday, March 4, 2011
South Sacramento fall risk reduction class
Some of you may be aware that I recently graduated from Sac State with a Special Master of Science in Therapeutic Aging. Like most (post-bachelor) graduates, I am seeking full-time employment (aka, a career position) with a company, a career that offers full benefits and the room for growth. Excuse me but like most American citizens, I find the list of job opportunities that offer a competitive salary and full-time benefits to be discouraging to say the least.
As an independent contractor, I presented a proposal for a 4-week fall prevention exercise class to the committee members at Parkside Community church and the response was a UNANIMOUS YES! Located in South Sacramento, Parkside is very active church that offers classes to the entire community. Becky Anton, the parish nurse, is currently doing the "Walk to Jerusalem" health promotion program and the parishioners are doing great.
Lifestyle changes take time. I tell my clients that Rome wasn't built in a day so don't expect your body to change instantly. Afterall, those extra pounds didn't there overnight so don't expect them to disappear in one week. By sticking with a well-rounded balance and mobility program, your body will adapt to the demands. The key is to safely challenge yourself....consistently. I am just the person to show you how to do that!
Parkside Community Church
5700 South Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 421-0492
Class Times:
April, 2011
Monday/Friday 10am-11am.
Pre-registration required.
Hope to see you in class.
The Fall Prevention Lady
As an independent contractor, I presented a proposal for a 4-week fall prevention exercise class to the committee members at Parkside Community church and the response was a UNANIMOUS YES! Located in South Sacramento, Parkside is very active church that offers classes to the entire community. Becky Anton, the parish nurse, is currently doing the "Walk to Jerusalem" health promotion program and the parishioners are doing great.
Lifestyle changes take time. I tell my clients that Rome wasn't built in a day so don't expect your body to change instantly. Afterall, those extra pounds didn't there overnight so don't expect them to disappear in one week. By sticking with a well-rounded balance and mobility program, your body will adapt to the demands. The key is to safely challenge yourself....consistently. I am just the person to show you how to do that!
Parkside Community Church
5700 South Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 421-0492
Class Times:
April, 2011
Monday/Friday 10am-11am.
Pre-registration required.
Hope to see you in class.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Fall risk assessments at Eskaton's 17th Annual Health and Wellness Fair
As the Fall Prevention Lady™, I strive to increase awareness of lifestyle factors that increase the risk of an accidental fall. According to fall prevention researchers, the physical decline associated with aging is not only a leading cause of falls but also the most preventable cause of the leading cause of accidental death and injury among adults over the age of 65. As 10,000 baby boomers reach retirement status daily, it is up to individuals to take an active role in personal health promotion and disease prevention.
Health fairs are an excellent opportunity to become educated about threats to one’s well being. The purpose of most wellness fairs is to increase awareness of particular health topics and how to improve one’s wellness through the use of on-hand vendor’s services. I love going to senior health fairs and expos because I enjoy educating people about falls and how to reduce the risk of what most people think are an inevitable part of growing older. I specifically like to talk about following a consistent exercise program can significantly reduce the risk of falling.
Eskaton Village Carmichael, 3939 Walnut Ave, Carmichael, CA. 95608. Open to public 12:30pm-2:30pm. Eskaton residents only 8:30am-11:30am. Free.
Message of the day: Go to health fairs and participate in the free testing. Some results may surprise you. Something may motivate you to get active and take responsibility for your well-being. Some vendor services may be just what you need! Always check the vendor’s credibility and do your research but also keep an open-mind.
LOVE…
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