FallProof™ balance training improves coordination after a stroke

I teach FallProof™ balance and mobility classes throughout the Sacramento area and I currently have several class participants who are living life after a stroke.  Because the program I teach trains both the muscles and senses, some exercises can be especially challenging for these individuals due to motor sensory deficits.

Determined, these participants push themselves to do the exercises when the body doesn't respond as efficiently as it once did.  Dedicated, these participants are focused on getting the body to function like it once did.  Having had to learn to walk again after a near fatal car accident when I was 17, I feel their frustration but I am living testimony that impulses can return to normal.

Regenerating neural impulses takes time!  Rarely do I see marked improvement in four weeks but changes become noticeable after a six-week program.  That's why I'm excited when persons who had a stroke repeats my class.  I've been told repeating the FallProof™ program is like reading a good book; you learn something new the second, third and even fourth time.

One 89 year-old gentleman is currently repeating the six-week balance and mobility program.  Today was class #7 and he showed such a MARKED improvement in his walking gait and movement patterns that his classmates commented about his progress.  His gait is more steady, his movements are more efficient and his confidence has doubled.

Today he had a "lightbulb" moment that made me realize the importance of consistent practice.  After nine weeks of training, he finally understood the correlation between toes coming up and loss of balance!  Although he still needs work on his reaction strategy, he gets it!  This man is determined to improve and the results of training are starting to catch up.  The entire class applauded when he went through the obstacle course and he was grinning ear to ear.

A retired physical therapist who had a stroke, Christina is also starting to show significant improvement in her walking gait and reaction strategies.  Also a repeat student, she tends to 'overthink' things but when she relaxes and does the exercises, her body moves efficiently and she is more stable.   Yesterday was the fist day in seven weeks that she did not shuffle!  She took longer strides and you could NOT wipe the smile off her face when the class applauded her efforts.

I absolutely love what I do and I look forward to working with as many people as I can to improve coordination and reduce the risk of an accidental fall.

Blessings~
The Fall Prevention Lady

Stay on your feet for the HOLIDAYS!!!

Believe it or not, there are only eight (8) Fridays until Christmas!  That means it's time to go shopping and face the crowds.  The older we get, the scarier big crowds become since people don't pay attention to where they're going and most of the time there are kids running around like wild animals.   Not a good combination for someone who's balance 'isn't what it used to be'....

DON'T FEAR!  You have plenty of time to improve your balance skills and get "FallProof™'ed for the holidays!  Certified balance and mobility specialist and national public speaker, Kelly Ward, aka, The Fall Prevention Lady,  is offering educational workshops and condensed balance training sessions designed to keep you on your feet and to fit anyone's busy schedule.

Avoid a fall this holiday season.  First line of defense:  learn what's causing your imbalance.  Second, practice evidence-based balance training techniques designed to prevent falls and thirdly,  learn life-saving tips that you will use long after the holiday rush.

How can you stay balanced?  Simply join Sacramento's own "Fall Prevention Lady" for one of her dynamic "Fall Prevention 101™" workshops followed by her new "Balance Training 101™"exercises classes.   Learn what causes falls and then learn how to improve your balance.   Kelly teaches physical therapy training techniques that you can modify to fit your fitness level and unique challenges.

You must attend the educational workshop (Fall Prevention 101) to attend the ninety-minute Balance Training 101 exercise class.  If you want to continue taking classes to improve your balance, Kelly is offering both two-week and four-week FallProof™ balance training sessions at Parkside Community Church.  

Please visit Kelly's website, THE FALL PREVENTION LADY.COM under local schedule to find out where she will be offering these life-saving classes.

Classes start in November and early December!  Invest in yourself this holiday and give yourself the gift of balance.   You deserve it and remember, be good to yourself so you can be good to those you love.

Happy Holidays.  Already!
The Fall Prevention Lady

Fall Prevention 101™ by Kelly Ward, M.S., CTRS

Researched and created by certified FallProof™ Balance and Mobility Specialist and Stepping On Master Trainer Kelly Ward, M.S., CTRS.

Dynamic workshop about factors that increase the risk of falling and how older adults can reduce that risk.  Supplemental workbook required.


Copyright 2012.
 

Sac and Company and Fall Prevention

Here's the Sac&Co TV interview about the fall prevention pilot program I'm working on with Dignity Health and Eskaton.

It's an honor to present my dynamic Fall Prevention 101 workshop and teach six-week FallProof™ balance training classes to eligible participants as part of this three-prong approach to reducing fall risk.

STAND Tall Don't Fall

Here is a fun video for the Stand Tall Don't Fall pilot program I am doing with Eskaton and Dignity Health in Carmichael, California.

The people featured in this video were the members of the first six (6)-week FallProof™ balance and mobility training class of the program.  Everyone in the class improved in at least two of the fitness parameters associated with fall risk.

The oldest class member was 96-year old gentleman in green and the youngest was 69-year old assistant. I am the short-haired tall thin lady in orange!

FallProof™ is a multi-sensory balance training program proven to reduce fall risk and improve balance confidence.  Designed by Dr. Debra Rose, Director of the Center for Successful Aging in Fullerton, FallProof™ was designed for independent older adults who have been identified as moderate to high fall risk.

Have fun, meet new friends, challenge your balance and prevent a fall!

StopFalls Sacramento Fall Prevention Coalition

The four leading trauma centers in Sacramento region realize the severity of falls among older adults and have united in the formation of the StopFalls Sacramento fall prevention coalition.  It's estimated that every 12 seconds, an older adult visits the emergency room as a result of a fall.  Thus, falls are the leading cause of visits to the ER for adults over the age 65.

This may not seem like a big deal but when you consider the fact that someone turns 65 years old every five (5) seconds, that's a lot of falls and a lot of people going to the hospital.  And a visit to the ER isn't cheap.  Trauma centers are getting involved because research demonstrates that over half of all falls can be prevented through education, exercise and early detection.

The four leading trauma centers in Sacramento are:
1.  UC Davis Medical Center, Downtown Sacramento area.
2.  Kaiser South Medical Center, Elk Grove/South Sac area.
3.  Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Carmichael/North Sac area.
4.  Sutter Roseville Medical Center, Roseville area.

The senior injury prevention specialists at each of these centers, have formed the StopFalls Sacramento Fall Prevention Coalition.  One of the main objectives of this coalition is to make prevention of falls a united effort between leaders.  In other words, we are setting standards to be used so that we're all measuring the same data and providing the same information.

September is fall prevention awareness month and the StopFalls Sacramento coalition will be offering four (4) fall prevention screening events to connect older adults with resources in the community.  
All four events will be from 9am-noon and host the same screenings.  See dates below:

1.  Tues, September 22:  Mack Road Community Center.  Sponsored by Kaiser South
2.  Wed, Sept. 23:  Carmichael Library.  Sponsored by Mercy San Juan Medical Center
3.  Thurs, Sept. 24:  Roseville Elks Lodge.  Sponsored by Sutter Roseville Medical Center
4.  Friday, Sept. 25:  Asian Community Center.  Sponsored by UCDavis Medical Center

Visit StopFalls Sacramento on Facebook.  Like us!

Fall Prevention workshop at Robbie Waters Library

I have created a dynamic educational workshop that not only keeps participants engaged but also entertained!  I've updated my "Fall Prevention 101" workshop to include evidence-based balance exercises and research-based principles.  I recently presented to a full house at the Robbie Waters Library in the Pocket area of Sacramento, CA.

The main objective of my educational workshop is to empower older adults to take responsibility for their safety and make changes when possible.  There were over forty (40) people in attendance for my workshop at the library and nearly everyone in the audience was ready to begin balance training afterward!  See my schedule!

I love it and I'm proud to announce that I have been invited to teach three Balance Training 101 classes at the Robbie Waters library!  I've changed the content and usual programming of the FallProof™ program to offer the three following Saturday morning classes:

Robbie Waters Library
7335 Gloria Dr
Sacramento, CA  95831

1.  Saturday, September 19.  9:00-10:30am
2.  Saturday, September 26.  9:00-10:30am
3.  Saturday, October 3.  9:00-10:30am

Classes are free and open to the first 20 sign-ups.  You do not have to attend all three classes but it is recommended since I will be teaching ways to increase the challenge or make modifications to each exercise.

This is an amazing opportunity.  Thank you to Robbie Waters Library for sponsoring this life changing balance training program!  Call today to register:  (916) 264-2700.

Four couples in FallProof™ balance & mobility class

Well this is a first!  I not only have four men in my current balance training class but I also have four men AND their wives!  Couples who challenge their balance together remain healthy and able together!  In addition to the eight partners, I want to thank the remaining five class participants for choosing to improve their balance and prevent a fall.

Exercise is the number one way to prevent a fall however medication management and home safety are undeniable risk factors that require attention.  As such, it is important to systematically review potential fall hazards in your home and to review your medications in order to make sure you aren't taking two of the same type or one medication that cancels the effects of other.

Sound confusing?  It's responsibility.  You cannot be expected to make a change unless you know what needs to be changed.  I strongly encourage you to get educated about things that increase the risk of slipping, tripping or falling.  

Follow these easy steps to increased safety and peace of mind:
1.  Attend one of my Fall Prevention 101 workshops
2.  Click on this link, LINK, for a Home Safety Checklist
3. Visit your pharmacist and request a "BROWN BAG" day

Big kudos to the husband and wife teams who have decided to embark on this program.  It's time to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.  Do what you can and do not hesitate to ask for help; it's out there!

Best stretch for preventing falls w/The Fall Prevention Lady

Finally, the best stretch available to improve walking gait, relieve back pain and prevent falls!  This seated stretch is easy to do and when modified, can be done by anyone!

I'm extremely flexible so don't think you have to reach as far as me because any little bit will help you.  Be careful, keep back straight and always support your upper body weight.

This stretch is a winner!



Do this everyday and notice the benefits! Thanks for watching.

Kelly

The Fall Prevention Lady™

Northwest Florida Fall Prevention Coalition's February meeting

I moved from Sacramento, CA to Pensacola, FL shortly before Thanksgiving and there haven't been many fall prevention opportunities in the local community until now.  I am so excited that the Northwest Florida fall prevention coalition meets the first Tuesday of the month at the Sacred Heart Cancer Center.  Meetings are held on the third floor from noon-1pm.  

I am so excited to meet local fall prevention enthusiasts and hopefully plan some future community events.  I would love to offer my dynamic, educational fall prevention workshop to older adults throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.  However my ultimate goal is to offer my 4- or 6-week version of the FallProof™ balance and mobility training classes that I taught in Sacramento county for over seven years.  

The Stepping On fall prevention program, in which I am a master trainer and can train other staff members, is an evidence-based program that would be an excellent collaborative effort with local community experts.  Starting a seven-week pilot program for seniors would be a great opportunity to not only work within my new community but also benefit older residents living in the community.  

So excited for all things fall prevention and balance training in Pensacola.

Blessings~

The Fall Prevention Lady

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