Tuesday, November 13, 2012

What is fall prevention?

I tell people I'm the Fall Prevention Lady and I sometimes get a laugh, depending on the age of the person I'm talking to!  Younger people, including baby boomers, laugh at the notion of falling being a problem and think that it's not a big deal to occasionally lose your balance.  This is true if you have strong bones.

However for many older adults, the thought of falling can be a major concern, an overwhelming fear or a reality they don't want to remember.  Falls can be the beginning of the end for weakened immune systems and may don't ever fully recover, either physically, emotionally or mentally, from a tumble.

EDUCATION.  Fall prevention begins with education.  Only after a person knows what causes instability and accidental falls can he/she be expected to make the changes.

DEMONSTRATION. Fall prevention researchers have made huge strides in the field of balance and progressive balance training that can reduce the risk of a fall.  Dr. Debra Rose is one of the leading fall prevention icons in the industry and I am proud to say that I have been certified as a FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist since 2008.  I have been teaching the program for years, did a thesis on fall prevention exercise and recently wrote a book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention.  I am also a certified personal fitness trainer who specializes in the older adult client.  

FACILITATION.  You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.  Fall prevention exercises and balance training are only effective if you do them!  My Take 5 to Exercise DVDs, Basic 5 stretches, Basic 5 strengthening exercises and Basic Balance exercises are simple, easy to do and can be individualized to your ability.   Just do them!

I love educating about fall risk and demonstrating effective fall prevention exercises to help keep older adults independent and free from falls.  I have developed easy to follow exercises that can be done in the home.  These programs work when you do it.  Order my book, my DVDs or schedule a live workshop or balance training session.  Get started today.   It's up to you.

The Fall Prevention Lady
http://www.thefallpreventionlady.com
(916) 821-5715

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