I am a researcher. I enjoy reading fall prevention studies because I appreciate data that demonstrates the influence of an intervention. I am all about evidence-based programming because the numbers cannot hide the results. Today I did evaluations for two of my community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility training sessions here in Sacramento, CA.
The classes were small but the results were huge! The most significant improvement was made by an 81 year old gentleman who on day 1, did 9 chair stands in 30 seconds but needed to use his hands to get out of the chair. After 8 balance and mobility training sessions (and lots of hard work on his part), he was able to get out of the chair 8 times in 30 seconds, WITHOUT USING HIS HANDS! Woo-hoo....he not only increased his lower body strength but also learned and applied center of gravity training techniques! So proud of him!
His wife improved in all three areas of fitness related to fall risk; increasing both lower body strength and flexibility while improving her dynamic balance and agility score, too. In the same class, an 87 year old participant improved her lower body flexibility by 4 inches and was able to complete two more chair stands in 30 seconds.
Finally, I'd have to mention Stacy (name changed). This 83 year old lady improved her lower body flexibility by three and a half inches and was able to get out of chair, walk around a cone and return to seated position one second faster (and more stable) than 4 weeks ago. Although she still has to use her hands to get out of the chair, she was able to do one more chair stand in 30 seconds than the first day of class.
Most notably however was her comment as she left class. Stacy told me that her grandchildren commented her on her improved posture and said how good she looked. She also said that in prior pictures of her, she always leaned to one side. Last week, someone took a picture of her at a luncheon and she was standing tall and even; ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips and both hips and shoulders were level!
Praise the Lord...this program works IF YOU WORK IT.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sacramento FallProof™ balance and mobilty class schedule
I wanted to let everyone know where I will be teaching the next round of community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility training sessions. The classes meet for one-hour, twice a week, for 4 or 6-weeks. I will be changing to ONLY six-week format in January. This progressively challenging balance training program works IF YOU WORK IT.
There is a fee for these classes. Simply call class location to register. Hope to see you soon.
There is a fee for these classes. Simply call class location to register. Hope to see you soon.
FallProof™ Balance and Mobility Training
Classes and Locations
Oct. 3-Oct. 27: Parkside Community Church
5700 S. Land Park Dr, Sacramento 95822
Mon/Thurs: 3-4 pm
Oct. 4-Oct. 28: Fremont Presbyterian Church
5770 Carlson Dr, Sacramento, 95819
Tues/Fri: 9-10am
Oct. 4-Oct. 28: Senior Connection
8525 Madison Ave, Fair Oaks, 95628
Tues/Fri: 12:30-1:30p
Oct. 14- Nov.14: Carmichael Presbyterian Church
5645 Marconi Ave, Carmichael, 95608
Tues/Fri: 2-3p
Oct. 3-Oct. 26: Asian Community Center
7375 Park City Drive Sacramento, CA
Oct 3- Oct 27: Consumes Service District
8828 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, 95624
Mon/Thurs: 1-2p
Oct 4-Oct 28: Swanston Community Center
2350 Northrop Ave, Sacramento, 95825
Tues/Friday: 10:30-11:30a
Oct. 10- Nov 17: Creekside Oaks (6 week session)
1715 Creekside Dr., Folsom, CA. 95630
Mon/Thurs: 9a-10a
TAUGHT BY:
THE FALL PREVENTION LADY
Kelly Ward
Certified FallProof™ Balance and Mobility Specialist
MS, Therapeutic Aging
Call Class location or Kelly (916) 821-5715 to register
INVEST IN YOUR INDEPENDENCE
REDUCE FALL RISK
Monday, September 26, 2011
Balance training is NOT a senior fitness class
I constantly encourage older adults to get active to prevent accidental falls. Fall prevention researchers have identified participation in a consistent exercise program as the number one way to reduce the risk of falls. In other words, older adults must participate in a well rounded exercise program that includes strength, flexibility, balance and endurance training components.
Unfortunately, many older adults think that simply walking everyday will reduce the risk of falling. Don't get me wrong; walking is vital for health and fitness but that is only one component of a fall prevention exercise program. So these adults join the local senior center "exercise" class.
While the stretching, strengthening and endurance activities are fun and can be beneficial IF performed properly, these classes offer more social benefits than fall risk reduction.
Worse yet, activity directors of large adult living communities think they're offering their residents a "fall prevention program" as long as they offer a class where the instructor has people stand on one-leg, walk heel to toe or even close their eyes while standing still.
Numerous fall prevention research studies have demonstrated the significance of participating in evidence-based balance and mobility training techniques to reduce the likelihood of falling. The FallProof™ balance and mobility program is based on six research-based balance training techniques and FallProof™ instructors are certified balance and mobility specialists. This title may not mean much to the average person but professionals can certainly respect specialty certifications because those who attain credentials meet qualifications designed to protect the consumer. With that said....
My community-based FallProof™ classes are NOT senior fitness classes. As a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist, I safely coach older adults to progressively challenge their balance skills as they strengthen and stretch the body to new limits. Participants can rest assured that they are under the guidance and instruction of a trained professional. While my classes are instructional, they also offer the opportunity to meet people living with similar struggles and concerns. And yes, bonding about how difficult I can be counts as socialization!
Have fun, challenge your body and rest assured that you are following a program that works if you work it. Your independence is up to you. I can show you the way but it's up to you to reach the goal. Invest in yourself. Invest in my balance and mobility training sessions. Your balance will be improved because of it.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Unfortunately, many older adults think that simply walking everyday will reduce the risk of falling. Don't get me wrong; walking is vital for health and fitness but that is only one component of a fall prevention exercise program. So these adults join the local senior center "exercise" class.
While the stretching, strengthening and endurance activities are fun and can be beneficial IF performed properly, these classes offer more social benefits than fall risk reduction.
Worse yet, activity directors of large adult living communities think they're offering their residents a "fall prevention program" as long as they offer a class where the instructor has people stand on one-leg, walk heel to toe or even close their eyes while standing still.
Numerous fall prevention research studies have demonstrated the significance of participating in evidence-based balance and mobility training techniques to reduce the likelihood of falling. The FallProof™ balance and mobility program is based on six research-based balance training techniques and FallProof™ instructors are certified balance and mobility specialists. This title may not mean much to the average person but professionals can certainly respect specialty certifications because those who attain credentials meet qualifications designed to protect the consumer. With that said....
My community-based FallProof™ classes are NOT senior fitness classes. As a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist, I safely coach older adults to progressively challenge their balance skills as they strengthen and stretch the body to new limits. Participants can rest assured that they are under the guidance and instruction of a trained professional. While my classes are instructional, they also offer the opportunity to meet people living with similar struggles and concerns. And yes, bonding about how difficult I can be counts as socialization!
Have fun, challenge your body and rest assured that you are following a program that works if you work it. Your independence is up to you. I can show you the way but it's up to you to reach the goal. Invest in yourself. Invest in my balance and mobility training sessions. Your balance will be improved because of it.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Fall Prevention Week in Sacramento
The third week in September is officially "Fall Prevention Week". Cities throughout the country make an attempt to increase awareness of fall risk factors and local resources that can help a person remain safe. As the Fall Prevention Lady, this is my week! And let me tell you, I'm busy! (PRAISE THE LORD)
In addition to teaching my community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility training classes, I will be doing the follow fall prevention-related activities:
Monday, Sept. 19:
-8-8:30am....Featured on Cable TV show, "Older, Fitter, Wiser" with Dr. Moira Fordyce.
Comcast - Channel 20, Surewest - Channel 19, SIMULCAST: www.RCCTV.net/
Tuesday, Sept. 20:
Attending Sacramento City Council Proclamation of Fall Prevention Week
Wednesday, Sept. 21:
-Presenting two educational, demonstrative fall prevention workshops:
10am-11am: Asian Community Center
7375 Park City Drive
In addition to teaching my community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility training classes, I will be doing the follow fall prevention-related activities:
Monday, Sept. 19:
-8-8:30am....Featured on Cable TV show, "Older, Fitter, Wiser" with Dr. Moira Fordyce.
Comcast - Channel 20, Surewest - Channel 19, SIMULCAST: www.RCCTV.net/
Tuesday, Sept. 20:
Attending Sacramento City Council Proclamation of Fall Prevention Week
Wednesday, Sept. 21:
-Presenting two educational, demonstrative fall prevention workshops:
10am-11am: Asian Community Center
7375 Park City Drive
Sacramento, CA 95831
(916) 393-9026
1pm-2pm: Swanston Community Center
2350 Northrop Ave
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 333-6464
Thursday, Sept. 22:
-Taping Fall Prevention episode on local cable TV show, A-Z with Bea.
Comcast - Channel 20, Surewest - Channel 19, SIMULCAST: www.RCCTV.net/
-Training Sac State PT student in short-form FAB
-Noon-12:30pm., will be featured on local cable TV show, "Older, Fitter, Wiser". Comcast - Channel 20, Surewest - Channel 19, SIMULCAST: www.RCCTV.net/
Saturday, Sept. 24:
-Balance and mobility assessment screenings
2nd Annual Community Fall Prevention Event
Samuel Pannell Community Center
2450 Meadowview Road
Sacramento, CA 93831
(916) 4986-1876
Educate. Demonstrate. Facilitate.
The risk of falls can be reduced. Learn how to remain independent and enjoy the quality of life you deserve. Research demonstrates that the number one way to reduce the risk of fall is to engage in consistent exercise program. Click here to order a complete week of seated fall prevention exercise routines: Take 5 to Exercise DVD.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Multi-dimensional approach to fall prevention
Because there different factors that cause a person to fall, fall prevention researchers (yes, they exist and yes, I am one of them) recommend a multi-dimensional approach to fall prevention. Home environment, medication management and activity patterns have been identified as the fall risk factors that a person has a moderate ability to control. Although falls are accidents, a person can significantly reduce the risk of a fall through modification of these areas.
The 2nd Annual Community Fall Prevention event in Sacramento county will feature experts in all areas of fall risk reduction. Participants can attend educational lectures and/or be assessed in various areas of fall risk. Screenings will be offered in the following areas:
1. Vision
2. Blood Glucose
3. Foot clinic
4. Bone Density
5. Blood pressure
6. Hearing
7. Brown Bag (medications with pharmacist)
8. Senior Fitness/Balance Testing
Last year, the most popular attraction was the balance testing and we at the planning commission have predicted that the majority of people will want to be physically assessed for fall risk again this year. This year, I have a team of health and fitness professionals to assist me. I have recruited local physical therapists, fitness instructors and physical therapy students from my alma mater, CSUS, and Sac City College to assist with the Senior Fitness Tests and short-form Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale.
With the aging of the population, falls are quickly becoming a public health epidemic. As such, it takes a community to increase people about fall risk and how to reduce the risk of accidental falls. I am so excited that senior service providers in Sacramento are coming together to offer this free event to older adults in the area. It's all about collaboration and I am proud to have a multi-talented team to assist me. Thank you so much to my volunteer team!
Educate. Demonstrate. Facilitate.
The Fall Prevention Lady
The 2nd Annual Community Fall Prevention event in Sacramento county will feature experts in all areas of fall risk reduction. Participants can attend educational lectures and/or be assessed in various areas of fall risk. Screenings will be offered in the following areas:
1. Vision
2. Blood Glucose
3. Foot clinic
4. Bone Density
5. Blood pressure
6. Hearing
7. Brown Bag (medications with pharmacist)
8. Senior Fitness/Balance Testing
Last year, the most popular attraction was the balance testing and we at the planning commission have predicted that the majority of people will want to be physically assessed for fall risk again this year. This year, I have a team of health and fitness professionals to assist me. I have recruited local physical therapists, fitness instructors and physical therapy students from my alma mater, CSUS, and Sac City College to assist with the Senior Fitness Tests and short-form Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale.
With the aging of the population, falls are quickly becoming a public health epidemic. As such, it takes a community to increase people about fall risk and how to reduce the risk of accidental falls. I am so excited that senior service providers in Sacramento are coming together to offer this free event to older adults in the area. It's all about collaboration and I am proud to have a multi-talented team to assist me. Thank you so much to my volunteer team!
Educate. Demonstrate. Facilitate.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Monday, September 12, 2011
2ND ANNUAL FALL PREVENTION EVENT
In an attempt to increase awareness of falls among the older adult population and the prevention of these costly accidents, the Area 4 Agency on Aging, Kaiser Permanente, Eskaton and the City of Sacramento are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Community Fall Prevention Event. As the Fall Prevention Lady, I will be offering free balance and mobility assessments for interested participants.
Last year, my balance and mobility testing was such a hit that I have recruited the help of Sac State and Sac City Physical Therapy students in addition to volunteers from Kaiser and Eskaton's Physical Therapy departments. I have two senior fitness class instructors helping as well. Together, my team of qualified volunteers will be assessing the different fitness parameters associated with falls.
Tests that measure lower body strength, lower body flexibility and dynamic balance & agility will be offered as well as the short-form Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale. This 4-item test assesses the sensory components of balance and can be quite insightful to balance and mobility impairments.
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Location: Samuel Pannell Community Center
2450 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA
Hours: 9AM- 3:30PM
Cost: FREE. FREE. FREE.
Registration is required. Call (916) 486-1876
Order your set of fall prevention exercise routines here: Take 5 to Exercise
Last year, my balance and mobility testing was such a hit that I have recruited the help of Sac State and Sac City Physical Therapy students in addition to volunteers from Kaiser and Eskaton's Physical Therapy departments. I have two senior fitness class instructors helping as well. Together, my team of qualified volunteers will be assessing the different fitness parameters associated with falls.
Tests that measure lower body strength, lower body flexibility and dynamic balance & agility will be offered as well as the short-form Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale. This 4-item test assesses the sensory components of balance and can be quite insightful to balance and mobility impairments.
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Location: Samuel Pannell Community Center
2450 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA
Hours: 9AM- 3:30PM
Cost: FREE. FREE. FREE.
Registration is required. Call (916) 486-1876
Educate. Demonstrate. Facilitate.
Fall Prevention begins with you. Increase awareness of fall risk factors and discover how you can remain independent by preventing an unnecessary fall. Take 5 to Exercise each day and you will improve flexibility, increase strength, improve posture and maintain total body balance.Order your set of fall prevention exercise routines here: Take 5 to Exercise
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