Saturday, November 22, 2014

The Fall Prevention Lady has moved!

Like most warm-weathered souls, I've moved south for the winter!

As of Thanksgiving 2014, the Fall Prevention Lady will be located in Pensacola, Florida for educational fall prevention workshops, 4 or 6-week FallProof™ balance training classes, customized train-the-trainer seminars, private training sessions and wellness consultations.

I am looking forward to developing new relationships with fall prevention advocates, fitness instructors and senior care providers to promote fall risk reduction lifestyles and improve balance and strength necessary to remain independent.

After much success with my personal battle with Stage 4 Head and Neck cancer (diagnosed June 2013, two surgeries, chemo and radiation completed Feb 2014), I felt it was time for a change.  I am extremely blessed to have family in California who stood beside me and made my treatment as pleasant as possible however a lot of my biological family lives in Florida; including my 92-year old grandmother, several elderly aunts, a dear uncle and cousins.

After much reflection, it became evident that it's time to nurture some extended family relationships so when the opportunity to help a family member arose, I said YES so here I am in Pensacola, Florida!

I hope that my experience and training in evidence-based fall prevention programs can contribute to the vast selection of older adult injury prevention and health promotion programs available in the northwestern region of Florida.

I am 9-months in remission and my health is very well.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or inquiries.  (916) 821-5715.

Blessings.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Fall Prevention 101 in South Carolina

I was honored when the director of the Area Agency on Agency of Central Midlands Council of Government in South Carolina invited me to do a community outreach fall prevention awareness campaign.  This was especially dear to me because I lived in Spartanburg, SC county for over eight years before the sudden death of my father and relocating to California.

A lot has changed in the twelve years since I've been in SC but mostly, the changes are within me.  For instance, my profession and life direction.   I now have my Masters Degree in Science in Therapeutic Aging.   I am now a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), a FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist, a Stepping On Master Trainer, a Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance (TCMBB) instructor and fall prevention consultant.   My life has meaning.   My career has focus.

Columbia, South Carolina is the capital of this beautiful state and the starting point for this fall prevention outreach project.  The Area Agency on Aging, a federal government funded program, fully supports and recognizes the importance of education, exercise and early detection in order to reduce the incidence of falls among our aging population.

I am here for two weeks to present my two-hour Fall Prevention 101 workshop at eight different senior centers throughout four different counties.  We have been presenting n rural areas and the feedback has been wonderful! This opportunity has taught me that falls are a major concern among ALL older adults; regardless of where you live or how much money you make.   The bottom line is everyone needs to know as much as they can to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.

I am loving my time here in central midlands South Carolina and will enjoy this last week of fall prevention presentations in Lexington county. I'm not sure what I'm going to do after this remarkable experience but one thing that has become clear to me is hat California has more than enough "fall prevention advocates".  In fact, I think it may be time for The Fall Prevention Lady to move onto the next calling.


Tuesday, May 6, 2014

7th Annual Citrus Heights Senior Health Fair

Each year for the past seven years, the folks at the Sunrise Parks and Recreation District have hosted the annual Citrus Heights Senior Health Fair.  Each year the program gets better.  This year, the event is on Thurday May 15 from 9am-1pm.  Vendors will be there and there will be educational workshops and senior fitness assessments.  All of this is free to the public!

I will be presenting my dynamic, educational Fall Prevention 101 workshop from 10a-11a.  No registration is required; just show up ready to learn!  I will discuss aging, balance and how to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.  You will feel empowered to take control of how you're aging after attending this workshop.

I will also be offering Senior Fitness Tests to measure functional fitness components associated with fall risk. I will measure your lower body strength, lower body flexibility and dynamic or moving balance.  You will need to sign up to reserve your spot for an assessment.  I will be doing these senior fitness tests from 11:30a-12:30p. 

For those who may be interested, I may offer a quick balance assessment using the short-form Fullerton Advanced Balance scale.  This is a 4-item test that gives me a quick assessment of the sensory systems involved in balance.   I'll do those from 12:30-1pm.

1 in 3 people over 65 and 1 out of 2 people over 80 falls each year.  That's an estimate.  I think it's an underestimate.  It's also estimated that over half of all falls can be prevented through education, exercise and early detection.  Get involved in your wellness!  Come learn what may be causing you to fall.  Learn evidence-based exercises that have been demonstrated to improve balance! 

Come to the 7th Annual Citrus Heights Senior Health Fair!
6300 Fountain Square Dr, Citrus Heights, CA  95621

Monday, May 5, 2014

Never too late to improve functional fitness

I just finished a FallProof™ balance training class at Pioneer Towers in downtown Sacramento.  The small group of ladies were excited about improving their balance and they did just that!  Every single person improved on the three Senior Fitness Tests associated with fall risk.  And I mean they improved! 

As part of my classes, I offer pre- and post-assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the balance training classes I teach.   I know the program works but I am continually collecting data in case Dr. Rose wants it for her FallProof™ program.  Anyhow, I assess lower body strength, lower body flexibility and dynamic balance and agility or moving balance skills before and after attending the 8 sessions.

This class of 8 older women improved dramatically.  My most improved student was 94 year-old, Eve.  Yes, I said 94!  She increased her lower body strength score by 4, improved her lower body flexibility 3.5 inches and was 2.3 seconds faster and much steadier in her moving balance.  Remarkable!  I am so proud of her!

She can now touch her toes, her legs are stronger and she is more stable when getting up and moving quickly.  This collective data demonstrates that the program works when you work it.  Eve and another student worked the exercises into their daily routine by meeting everyday at 4pm. 

Another student who deserves huge kudos was 80 year-old Mary.  On the first day of class, she had to use her hands to get up out of the chair.  On the final day, she was able to do 9 perfect form chair stands WITHOUT using her hands!  Yeah Mary!  That makes a huge difference in the quality of her life.  She is no longer embarrassed about getting up out of the chair.  How did she do it?  She practiced her homeplay exercises.  She did the work.

Both Eve and Mary clearly show that it's not too late to improve your fitness.  And men, this is not just for women.  In my other class at Fremont Presbyterian, an 88-year old gentleman who is an active athlete, increased his lower body flexibility by 4 inches!  HE CAN NOW TOUCH HIS TOES!  Think about how great that is when getting dressed in the morning, not to mention how it improves your walking gait!  Awesome job!


Monday, April 7, 2014

Carmichael community group begins balance training classes

12 people, including one lone ranger.  83 is the oldest and there are two young buckettes, both age 60.  The average age of this class is 73 years old.  This is one of the youngest groups I have had in awhile and they are active, full of life and excited about this 4-week balance training program.

As usual, I do three standardized Senior Fitness Tests as a pre- and post-class assessment.  As I was doing the pre-assessments, I was pleasantly surprised to see how everyone was able to do the tests exactly according to protocol.  NO modifications, no notes on the side!  And they did well. 

I took their scores and found where their score ranked in comparison to similar age and similar gender scores for the exact test.  This is the most reliable and valid test measure to see how you're aging in comparison to your true peers.  Men vs men and women vs women .  Age specific.  These results can be a great motivator or a real eye-opener. 

There were a couple women in today's class who were upset with one of their scores.  One lady walks everyday so she was not happy when she saw that she scored in the 15th percentile for the Chair Stand which measures lower body strength.  "But I walk...".... Yeah, but walking doesn't build muscle like strengthening exercises will.  It's great to walk but as we get older, WE MUST DO EXERCISES DESIGNED IN INCREASE OUR STRENGTH, especially our lower body.

Several people scored poorly on the Chair Sit and Reach test.  This test measures lower body flexibility which is extremely important during when we walk.  If you drag your toes or trip over your own toes, it could be due to poor flexibility.  If you swing your leg to the side when walking or when going up a stair, it could be because of poor lower body flexibility. 

The best news I have is that those assessments taken on the first day of class are a snapshot of your fitness level THAT DAY!.  You may not have worked out in 6 months, you make have been ill, whatever is going on, there is no pass or fail, this is just how you did on this day.  If you score poorly, there's no place to go but up. And your body will improve.  Our bodies were made to be in motion so lets' keep it that way.

I test again on the last day of class and I am proud to say that in the six years that I've been teaching FallProof™ in the Sacramento communities, I have had everyone improve in at least ONE of the fitness tests.  Stick with it!  It will get better!

Friday, April 4, 2014

Kisco Senior LIving offers comprehensive fall risk reduction training for Wellness Directors

Investing in your staff is one of the best ways to improve your resident's quality of life. 

A company that wants to offer residents one of the best fall risk reduction programs in the country will proudly have Wellness Directors attend The Fall Prevention Lady's comprehensive training that teaches research-based fall prevention principles and demonstrates evidence-based balance exercises proven to reduce the risk of falls when done consistently. 

Kisco Senior Living is that forward thinking senior living company who realizes the severity of falls among their residents and wants to invest in their staff so everyone is one the same page and working to reduce the incidence of falls.  As such, they developed the 'STAND STRONG" fall risk reduction program. 

Although STAND STRONG  involves all teams in Kisco, the Wellness Team plays a vital role in the physical well-being of each resident.  As such,  two Wellness Directors from each community went to The Fall Prevention Lady's Train-the-Trainer workshop to learn about aging, balance, falls and how to reduce the risk of falls.

EDUCATE.  The first step in a fall prevention program is leaning what causes a person to fall.  Wellness directors listened and shared opinions as the different types of fall risk factors were discussed.  The Fall Prevention Lady's "Muscles and Senses" approach to falls made it easy to understand some of the underlying causes of falls, especially if undetected.

DEMONSTRATE.  Once the wellness member gathered information about a resident, it's time to plan an intervention.  Since staying active is the number one way to prevent a fall, evidence-based balance and evidence-based strengthening exercises were demonstrated and practiced.   This was a skills-based workshop and every attendee was expected to demonstrate a minimal competency level as an instructor in order to pass.

FACILITATE.  Once the staff was trained how to assess a resident and implement a balance and strengthening exercise routine, she/he must keep the resident doing the program!  Adherence to a fall prevention program is critical if the goal of reduced falls incidence is to be met.  Different methods to motivate residents to stick with the program were discussed and adherence charts were given out. 

STAND STRONG is a new program and like all new programs, there will be some revisions and modifications along the way.  However, the fundamentals of this program will make Kisco Senior Living STAND OUT because Kisco now offers a service that no other communities offer. 

 In addition to offering most recent, evidence-based practices demonstrated to reduce falls, Kisco staff members are thoroughly trained in the identification of fall risks, comprehensive assessment of resident circumstances and the planning and implementation of a fall prevention exercise program that is individualized to meet resident needs and progressively challenging to help a resident meet her/his goals.   


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

ASA's Annual Conference in San Diego

Here I am in San Diego for the American Society on Aging's Annual Conference.  This year's theme is "Aging in America".  I love conferences because you have access to the best in the field and there is so much to do that the hardest part is deciding which workshop to attend!

In addition to expert keynote speakers, there are dynamic leaders hosting general sessions and 60-minute workshops.   Innovative researchers display their work on poster boards and big companies exhibit their products in the exhibitor hall.

As the older adult population explodes, it is a well-known fact that providers need to collaborate in order to meet the changing needs of the boomers.  Competitors are now partners and sharing best practices is helpful to everyone, including the client.  Tonight there are roundtable discussions to promote the exchange of ideas to better serve our aging clients.

I will be hosting the "Muscles and Senses; Fall Prevention 101" roundtable discussion to help providers build their own community-based fall prevention concierge or a group of professionals to have as referrals when needed.   Fall Prevention researchers have demonstrated that one must take a "multifactorial" approach to the prevention of falls.  In other words, eliminate as many fall risk factors as possible is the best way to remain safe.  I hope to educate about fall risk factors and then brainstorm with the group about possible partners and connections for older adults.

I have said it before and I'll say it again; "It takes a village to raise a child but it takes a community to prevent a fall".  I hope that tonight's roundtable discussion promotes community collaboration and partnerships. 

The Fall Prevention Lady
Kelly Ward

Monday, March 10, 2014

Free fall prevention workshops for seniors in Sacramento

As part of the Sierra Health Foundation and the North Sacramento Grandparents Support group, I will be offering two FREE fall prevention workshops in April, 2014.  This educational workshop is designed for older adults who are raising their grandchildren however any older adult who is concerned about falling is more than welcome to attend. 

This dynamic two-hour workshop will not only educate about fall risk factors associated with growing older and loss of balance but also teach evidence-based fall prevention exercises proven to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.

Since the goal is to facilitate behavior change and adherence of easy-to-do exercises proven to prevent falls, each participant will receive materials to take home.  We are lucky to have received grant funding to make this possible. Thus, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Both workshops will be held at Lakeview Village in Citrus Heights.  This older adult mobile home community has a large, centrally located clubhouse where the workshop will be held.  There will also be a light luncheon afterward.   Both the workshop and lunch are FREE so mark your calendars.
And don't forget to save your spot.  REGISTER TODAY!!!

Educational Fall Prevention Worskhops:
1.  Tuesday, April 8.  10am-noon
     Lakeview Village (6211 Summerset Lane Citrus Heights)
2.  Tuesday, April 29.  10am-noon
     Lakeview Village (6211 Summerset Lane  Citrus Heights).

To register, call Lakeview Village :   916-729-0460

See you in April! 
The Fall Prevention Lady 
 

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Sacramento fall prevention classes in the spring!

Spring forward, fall backward.  If it was up to me, there wouldn't be ANY falls (especially backward) but as the "Fall Lady", I hear jokes about the season of fall often.  Since we turned clocks forward today, I would like to announce my upcoming balance training classes in the Sacramento region. 

When I refer to my "classes", I am talking about the FallProof™ balance training sessions that progressively challenge the body's balance systems.  Classes meet for one-hour, twice a week, for four weeks; a total of eight classes.   Class size is limited to no fewer than 6 and no more than 14 participants.

I conduct pre- and post-assessment fitness data on each person so I allow two hours for the first class so everyone can complete paperwork and get tested.    There is a fee that is not covered by insurance yet so contact me if you are interested in this physical-therapy based balance training program.

As of now, I have two balance training sessions scheduled for April in the Sacramento region.

Balance training classes:
1.  Presentation of the Virgin Mary Church (4123 Robertson Ave, Sacramento, 95821)
     12:30p-1:30p, Monday and Friday
     March 31-April 28, 2014
     THIS TRAINING CLASS IS FULL

2.  Fremont Presbyterian Church (8770 Carlson Dr  Sacramento, 95819).  Across from Sac State.
      9:00-10:15 am, Monday & Friday
      April 7-May 2, 2014
      Call to register:   916-452-7132

I will keep you posted as new class locations are determined.
Hope to see you in class.

Spring forward!
The Fall Prevention Lady

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Fall Prevention Lady's Train-the-Trainer workshop

I am proud to announce that I will be presenting four fall prevention Train-the-Trainer workshops as part of Kisco's Stand Strong Fall Prevention program.  As a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist and Stepping On Master Trainer, I have designed an amazing workshop for the Wellness Directors of this national senior living company.

I will start with the southern California office on March 18 and travel to the Walnut Creek location for an all-day workshop on March 20th.  After a long weekend, I will travel to Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina for a workshop and then finish up in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

These workshops are not only educational but also skills-based.  Fall prevention research has shown that small group training is more effective that training the masses.  An intimate setting enables people to practice the skills they need under close supervision and ask any questions that may arise.  Balance training should be individualized and so should trainer trainings.

I am confident that having Wellness Directors who have completed the Fall Prevention Lady's Train-the-Trainer workshops as part of their Stand Strong kick-off, Kisco will offer a better quality of living for senior residents. 

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Fall Prevention professionals please give credit when due; it's only write

I've written about PLAGIARISM before and I will continue to write about it because USING PEOPLE'S WORK WITHOUT CITING THEIR HARD WORK or so much as mentioning their name in the article is something that bothers me.   It's disappointing when people claim to be "professionals" and stoop to these low levels.

As a health professional who researched and wrote a 121-page thesis for my graduate degree and applied years of hands-on experience to write "The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention", I have been taught to CITE SOURCES OF INFORMATION.   It's professional.  It's the law.  It's called integrity.

Unfortunately, there are unprofessionals who think it's fine to "use" seminar titles, philosophical approaches and workshop content without so much as saying, "I learned this from so and so, or "The Fall Prevention Lady spoke about this...", etc.

In the Fall Prevention world, the message is the same; we all want to prevent falls in our aging population.  All I'm asking is that these different "messengers" stand up and cite their sources.   As for me, I will continue to openly cite the sources of information when I give workshops and train-the-trainer workshops.  It's only write.