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.

• 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!

The reason for the such requirements is because the fields of personal training, fall prevention and recreation are constantly growing. Trends continually change and as a result of evidence-based research, effective and efficient techniques gradually emerge. One of the best places to get these CEUs is by attending professional conferences. Not only does a person get to learn from cohort's experiences but also is able to network with industry leaders.

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