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

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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!