Brains and Balance with Peripheral Neuropathy

The nervous system is divided into two parts: 1. Autonomic 2. Central.  The autonomic NS runs vital organs at set speed; an easy speed determined by your brain.  The central nervous system is movement and action oriented; a physical expression of the health of your brain.

Neurology 101  

1. Receives input  2. Interprets input 3. Sends output

The better the input, the better the output

You can't read fuzzy writing.  Your brain doesn't know what to do with messages from a bad ankle. The brain sees a fuzzy message it can't understand.  Not sure how to respond, movement is jerky.

Your barefoot can feel every crevice in the smooth tile.  Your brain is connected at the level floor.  You feel your foot wrap around the cool tile.  Messages are clear and crisp as you squat down to press your palms on the floor.  You're strong.  Your brain knows what's next.  All cylinders are firing.   Message to brain: Safe. I got this.

You can't see anything.  You don't know where to reach as you stumble toward what you think is the hotel bathroom.  Where's the light switch?  Shuffle.  Stumble.  You know the story, you can't feel the floor.  It's dark.  You can't see.  Where is the floor under my feet?  Message:  NOT SAFE.

People who cannot feel their feet, hands, fingers and/or toes have a nerve problem.  The nerves in these 'far' extremities are not sending messages to the brain.  If messages are sent, they're slow and inconsistent.  Message?  NOT SAFE.

Precise training gets your precise results.  Your brain needs activation.  The more precise the method, the more profound results.  Performance is enhanced tenfold.  Bam.  All cylinders firing.

But I can't feel my feet.  Yeah but your brain remembers your feet.  Your brain knows feet are present but doesn't know how to make them work.  Rather than rely on messages sent upward, Brains and Balance sends a safe message from the brain to the ankles and feet.

The plasticity of the brain is remarkable.  And promising.  If your brain knows the foot is there and Increased prediction results in more efficient and reflexive reactions.

Reflexes trump any voluntary response.  In Brains and Balance Z-Training with Coach Kelly, she will train your reflexive neural tract as you voluntarily practice precise drills to improve balance.  Kelly implements the best of the best balance training methods in order to meet your specific needs.
Movement is LIFE.  It's your choice.

The Fall Prevention Lady

Younger faces and more men in balance classes

Over the past decade, I've been teaching FallProof™ balance and mobility classes to older adults in communities throughout the Sacramento California region.  As a certified movement re-educator and balance expert, I've seen the positive impact of multi-sensory training upon hundreds of lives and I'm proud to continue to teach 4- and 6-week sessions to adults who live at home and want to stay there through improved balance & quicker reaction speeds necessary to prevent a fall.

I've recently noticed a change in the 'average' FallProof™ class participant; 81year old females are now early to mid-70s with equal mixture of males and females.   As an established fall prevention coalition member, this demographic shift is exciting proof that "FREE" hospital outreach programs are successfully offering evidence-based programs to our "older" more frail adults.  

Most baby boomers, society's "younger" older adults, want to get a head start on retirement plans.  Due to the overwhelming number of research studies that demonstrate exercise as the number one way to remain independent and THRIVE in later years, these boomers are ready to invest time and effort into research-based programs led by qualified instructors.  As such, more people in their sixth and seventh decade, including MEN, are proactively enrolling in community-based "balance" training classes offered by qualified health and fitness independent contractors!  

I'm psyched because I've taken my "multi-sensory" masters degree to the next level with brain science.  As a certified Z-Health Practitioner, I train the nervous system and the engine running it; your brain.  Founded on research and science, Z-Health principles train the input, the interpretation and output of the nervous system.  The better the input, the better the output and the results are immediate.  No guessing if you're doing the best drill for your brain; your movement shows it!

As we age, there are two things we don't want to lose: 

1.  Your balance

2.  Your brains

My brain-based balance training class is perfect for anyone who is concerned about losing either #1 or #2, or both!  Your brain is a "use it or lose it" muscle and needs proper activation and proper fueling in order to run efficiently.  Want to learn more about how to train your brain so you can move well, balance well and see well?  

Visit my website (The Fall Prevention Lady) and enroll in one of my classes:

"Brains and Balance Z-Training with Coach Kelly"

Save your spot.  Be proactive.  Re-write the next chapter of your life.

Kelly

Brains and Balance Z-Training with Coach Kelly

Brains and balance; the two things you don't want to lose as you age.  Neuroscience proves the plasticity, or changeability of the brain.  Science and research demonstrate that staying active is the best way to remain independent.  I want to take this a step further and state that when properly activated, the brain can change how you move, how you see, and how stable you are on a daily basis.

In order to function, the brain needs two things: fuel and activation. There are two types of fuel that your brain requires: glucose and oxygen.  Everything you eat breaks down to glucose.  There's no good or bad glucose, at the cellular level, it's just glucose.  Your brain consumes 70% of your daily caloric intake. Think about that.  What type of food are you feeding your brain???

Oxygen.  Just breathe.  On average, a person takes 22,000 breaths each day.  That wouldn't be a problem if we knew HOW to breathe correctly.  Unfortunately, Americans are a bunch of shallow breathers.  On average, we use less than one-quarter of our lung capacity.  Instead, we breathe in, maybe feel a rise in our chest and exhale.  This breathing pattern is not only bad for your neck, shoulders and back musculature but also horrible for your brain.    How do you breathe???

Activation.  How you move through life is a reflection of the efficiency of your nervous system and brain mapping of your body (how well your brain knows your body).  Part of your brain is concerned about one thing and one thing only, "IS THIS SAFE"?   If your brain doesn't feel safe, your movement is poor.  Conversely, if your brain feels safe (with clear, predictable sensory input messages from nerves),your movement is fluid, graceful, all cylinders are firing.  

Think about how you move:

1. Do you move slowly and almost shuffle?  
2. Does everything hurt?  
3. Is your vision getting worse?  
4. Are you stooping forward more each day?  
5. Do you feel unsteady?  
6. Are you constantly fearful of what's going to happen next?  
7. Have you tried everything and been told 'to live with it'?

If you answered yes to ANY of those questions, you want to work with me!  As a certified Z-Health Practitioner, I am trained to improve your neural GPS (better input=> better output), I am trained to increase the speed of brain's interpretation of messages and efficiency of motor output. 

In other words, using research and scientific-based neurophysiology techniques, I train your nervous system in order to make your brain feel safe so you can move confidently through this world.  Time is valuable.  Don't waste your time going to the gym or money on a private trainer if you're NOT getting results.  

With brain-based training, you get instant results

because you have given YOUR brain 

what YOUR brain needs.  

Precise training of the nervous system gives you precise results

Sign up for  

BRAINS AND BALANCE Z-TRAINING WITH COACH KELLY 

for immediate results!

Baby boom changing the face of fitness....

The face of balance and mobility training is getting younger.  As the baby boomer population explodes, so does the interest in different types of training classes; classes that:

• Focus on total body wellness
• Prepare the body for the next chapter of life
• Enhance performance so a person can live longer better
• Train the brain and utilize the scientific principle of "NEUROPLASTICITY"

I no longer hear, 'I wish I knew you fifteen years ago' but rather "I don't want to turn out like my mother.  She fell and that was the end of it", "My father fell, had all sorts of problems and had to move into assisted living; that is not the quality of life that I worked for".  "My wife and I have lots of traveling to do and we want to live our lives while we still can".

Baby boomers are more educated about the importance of fitness and truly understand that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".  Most boomers are more educated about the different types of exercise needed in a well-balanced fitness routine and they understand that personal training is an investment in their life.  They realize that their health and well-being are THEIR responsibility and a person must get active if you want to stay active.

What everyone needs to understand is that exercise isn't so easy that you can't mess it!  If exercise were easy, everyone would be doing it.  Sitting, staring at a computer and driving for hours are what I call "occupational hazards" that take a tremendous toll on the body over the years.  The demand for corrective exercise practitioners has tripled and specialty areas are increasingly popular.
                 
Unfortunately, a staggering 80% of adults quit an exercise program in the first six weeks due to injury.  Enter your movement re-educator; me, the person who has studied fitness all her life and knows how to get you safely to your goals.  Enter the balance and mobility expert; me, the person who has the skills to improve balance and stability using brain-based balance techniques.  Enter the Z-health practitioner who has invested in a neurology-based education to teach you how to rewire your nervous system; upgrade your software.        

Baby boomers want brain-training.  As a Movement Integration Specialist, I offer the best brain training program available; 3 Pillars Strong; Move well.  Balance well.  See well.  I will be hosting two mixers in September to kick-off my new braining-training program with classes starting in October.

www.thefallpreventionlady.com

Drill to improve visual resolution, aka, see clearer

Vision is a skill and like all skills, it can improve with practice.  We train movement, we train balance but we do not train the muscles in our eyes!  We have six muscles in each eye that follow the rule of all muscle; use it or lose it!  Vision is the most powerful sensory input to the brain and takes up the largest amount of brain real-estate.  The optics rule.  Posture, movement, pain; all influenced by vision.  Directly.  As in Immediately.  The brain is the king of kings of our function.

There are four components to healthy vision:
1.  Eye movements
2.  Depth Perception
3.  Visual Resolution
4.  Peripheral Vision

Training these skills has an immediate impact on your nervous system; the benefits are instantaneous. As a Z-Health Movement Re-Educator and Movement Integration Specialist, I have been practicing vision drills on myself, my clients and my group classes and the results are astonishing.
It's not magic; it's neuroscience.

While sitting at my desk studying neurophysiology notes,  Dr. Cobb's YouTube message was talking about 'visual resolution', or the ability to see clearly.  Which happens to be one of the first signs of tired eyes.  Great, mine is horrible.  My eyes are tired.
😫

Dr. Cobb went on to demonstrate a drill that trains your 'visual resolution, aka, see more clearly.   I want to improve mine, so I grabbed the letter ball I had from a previous Z-Health certification weekend and started to follow along.

This drill was highly threatening to me.  I was nervous because I could not throw the ball consistently.  My throws are spastic; all over the place!  "Just toss the ball up in the air and watch one letter up and then back down"  "see it land". ,... yeah, on my face!  LOL.

I'm a basketball player so I instinctively spin the ball.  Fast.  LOL  I couldn't see anything but a blur until I slowed it down!  I was better with my left hand, just like in basketball.  I've learned that there  are drills that will equal out the consistency of my throws.

Laughing when it hit me in the chest, I followed Doc's advice and toned the drill down a bit by holding the ball and moving in toward my nose then out to arm's length.  5 times each hand.  Turn to see different letters.

I know this drill works with me because I immediately did a Z-Health assessment and compared pre-post assessments.  Results, bam!

Train your eyes.  Improve your vision.  

I invite  you to join me for my 12-week program, 

"3 Pillars Strong; Move well.  Balance well.  See well".  

I will be hosting two mixers in September to present the program, answer any questions and take registrants for the two classes I will be offering in October in Fair Oaks, CA.

Stay tuned for days and times.
"On the Z-Train"

3 PILLARS STRONG= MOVE WELL + BALANCE WELL + SEE WELL

I am proud to announce "3 PILLARS STRONG"; a brains and balance program that I will be offering in the Sacramento region.    Program details:  12-week program.  60-minute class meets once a week for 12 weeks.  Class lecture is followed by brain-based movement routine.  Participants are assigned weekly movement routines to follow at home and record daily performances.

3 Pillars strong= move well + balance well + see well

3 Pillars strong means you are training all three of the of 3 Pillars of Performance: movement, balance and vision.  Movement is to be expected in a training program but where there is movement
training, intentional vision and balance training is necessary.

Movement is a skill.  Balance is a skill.  Vision is a skill.  Skills are trainable.  Skills can be taught.  Skills improve when practiced.

No two bodies are the same.  In consideration of the individuality of the aging process, you will assess and re-assess in your training session to see how YOUR BRAIN and YOUR BODY responds to each drill and activity.  Thus, your training will be personally tailored.

What can you expect from the 3 Pillars Strong program?
Changes and Results.  Those who complete the program experience increased level of skill and performance in all activities, feel more stable and balanced and have clearer vision and skill.

See well.  Balance well.  Move well.

$20/class for 12-weeks.  $360.
12-week program + 3 private training sessions: $597

KICKOFF CLASSES:  
October-December, 2017:
AM and PM classes

EMAIL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT:
info@thefallpreventionlady.com

Call (916) 821-5715

Website:  The Fall Prevention Lady

Facebook:  The Fall Prevention Lady

Now that fall prevention is mainstream.....

As a movement specialist, I am constantly researching new scientific discoveries in order to help my clients move better with less pain.  If I'm not studying assessment and exercise videos made by the best of the best, I have my nose in a book or personal notes from recent conferences.

My personal desire to learn as much as possible about efficient movement has been the driving force in my life since I moved to California over fifteen years ago.  As a Public Health educator, I was fascinated by the effect that our daily choices have on our overall wellness, especially movement patterns.   The longer a person makes poor choices, the more likely s/he is to have chronic disease and/or a chronic movement disorder.  It's called bad habits.  It's called life.

It was during my gerontology internship with the Area 4 Agency on Aging in 2006 when my focus turned from the association of daily choices and chronic health conditions to the prevention of falls through daily choices; specifically movement choices.  I instantly discovered FallProof and the importance of training the musculoskeletal and sensory systems responsible for balance, strength, flexibility and mobility.

Remember that in 2006, fall prevention was basically an unknown topic.  Sure, seniors were falling but not many people in influential positions realized how many older adults were falling, fatality and injury rates, the direct and indirect costs of these falls or the fact that a majority of falls could be prevented through a multi-factorial approach (Rose, 2003).

Fast-forward 12 years. What was once a specialty, fall prevention education and balance training for older adults, has become mainstream.  Due to the explosion of the aging population, fall prevention services are now offered by hospital systems and community agencies for free.  They are able to offer free because of government funding; only available to large agencies and non-profit companies that offer 'evidence-based' fall prevention programs (proven effective and able to be duplicated to the masses).

As an independent contractor, I can't compete with free!  As such, I've had to step back and do some personal reflection in order to figure out what's next. I understand that having volunteers who do not come from a physical fitness background not to mention have specialized adult learning training will only work for a specific segment of the population for a limited duration of time.  I also understand that the needs of the younger baby boomers will not be met by these programs.

I do know it's my spiritual gift to work with older adults. I do know my focused studies in aging, balance, and injury prevention have elevated my expertise as a balance and mobility specialist to a new level.   I'm a coach with over fifteen years of hands-on experience leading groups through the best balance training program for older adults.

What's next for this movement specialist?  Neuroscience.  Neuroplasticity.  Neurophysiology.
Think brains.  Think balance.  Think Brains and Balance on the Z-Train!

Stay tuned.

I can tie my own shoes now!!!

While the face of participants in my FallProof™ balance & mobility classes is getting younger, I still have the honor of coaching a few people over the age of 80.  In the April session at Fit4-U, I had both the 83-year old mom and her 56-year old daughter in class.  This was quite a combination and both did exceptionally well.  In fact, the oldest member of the class was also the most improved!

Barbara came to the Fall Prevention 101 workshop I presented at the local Church of Latter Day Saints and she was told me she eager to get started on the homework exercises since her balance was 'horrible'.  She was the first person in the door on the first day of balance training and she proudly stated that she had been doing her homework every night!

She came to class using a walker and said she only used it once in awhile and mostly because her daughter was so worried about her balance.  I assured her it was ok to use it when necessary and smiled as I said, 'you won't be needing that when I'm done with you!'.

By the fourth class, Barbara had switched from bringing her walker with her to carrying a cane.  She didn't use either in class but carried them 'just in case'.  The improvement in her walking gait became evident to everyone by the fifth class; she was standing taller, no longer looked at the floor and her walking stride was longer and stronger.

On the first day of class, she refused to do the sit and reach assessment because her back and legs were so stiff, it hurt for her to bend forward toward her toes.  I showed her a modified way to do that exercise and on the last day, she not only did the assessment but also scored in the 37th percentile for women her age in lower body flexibility!!!

At the last class, she was so excited about everyone's kind responses to her noticeable posture and walking gait improvements.  She was in tears as she recollected how she couldn't touch her toes or put on her own shoes before participating in this class.  She smiled ear to ear as she talked about how surprised her daughter in Arizona will be with her improvement when she visits next month.

A wise, vibrant woman, Barbara gets the connection between staying active and being independent.  She can't wait to repeat the beginner class in June and I can't wait to see her again, too!

Movement is life.  Start living.
The Fall Prevention Lady

Intermediate, Ongoing Balance and Mobility Training

Finally!!!  I will be offering ongoing, intermediate level balance and mobility training class in Sacramento for anyone who has graduated The Fall Prevention Lady's four-week FallProof™ beginner level program.

Details:

• Tuesday and Thursday mornings 
• 10:30a-Noon 
• Fit4-U Fitness Studio  (4440 Marconi Ave, next to Tricks Gymnastics)
• $99 punch card

Eligibility:

• Attended my 4- or 6-week FallProof™ beginner program
• Able to walk more than 300 feet without assistive device
• No uncontrolled medical conditions
• Cognitively intact

This is balance training at the next level.

As a balance and mobility specialist, corrective exercise trainer and movement specialist, I will implement a variety of training techniques designed to help mature adults move better with less pain.

The main focus of the intermediate classes will be FallProof™ balance and mobility training techniques however some brain training www.ontheztrain.wordpress.com will be practiced as I teach you how to break poor movement habits and learn more efficient, pain-free patterns.

Mark your calendars!

What is FallProof™.... with the Fall Prevention Lady

FallProof™ is a multi-dimensional, physical therapy-based approach to the muscular, sensory and behavioral imbalances that occur as we age.  This program progressively challenges the different senses as well as the muscles involved in balance and is proven to improve strength, flexibility, awareness and ability to respond to circumstances that can cause a person to fall.

Feedback from prior class attendees is that this class should be required for everyone over the age of 60; especially people who want to stay independent and enjoy their hard-earned retirement years.

Kelly Ward, aka, "The Fall Prevention Lady"  has been a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist since 2008 and is the only certified FallProof™ specialist practicing in the Sacramento region.  To maintain certification, specialists must meet competency and contact hour requirements every two years.   CAUTION... make sure your FallProof™ specialist is currently certified.  It's for your protection.

Dr. Debra Rose, director of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, co-director of the Center for Successful Aging and world-renowned fall prevention expert, created FallProof™ balance and mobility training with a specific audience in mind; people over age 60, who live at home and who are at high to moderate risk of falls.

How do you know if you're at risk, not to mention moderate/high risk of falls?

• You have fallen in the past six months
• You are concerned about falling
• You are living with peripheral neuropathy
• You are living with limited vision

You feel it...

• You feel unsteady when walking
• You need to use your hands when getting up from the chair
• You feel your balance "isn't what it used to be"
• You 'feel wobbly'

In my professional opinion, FallProof is the best balance and mobility training program for mature adults who live at home and want to stay there.   It's not rocket science however balance-specific exercises are required for maintenance.  The training techniques you learn will stick with you for life!  

"Walking the Cats" in a FallProof™ balance class

• If you want to keep what you have; if you're happy with what you can do right now...this program is for you.

• If you want to improve your balance, feel stronger when you stand up, feel more stable when you're walking or stop suddenly when walking; this program is for you. 

• This program is for ANYONE who is concerned about their balance or who has ever thought about "not ending up like your parents".  

Balance is important.  More so than we think....until we lose it.  Do me a favor; stop right now and try to name two people who have fallen or whose life has been changed because of an accidental slip, trip or fall.....

If you can name two people whose life has been changed because of a fall, DON'T BE THE THIRD!  Statistically, one in three people over the age of 65 fall each year (CDC).  FallProof™ is proven to increase strength, flexibility and confidence; major fall risk factors as we age.

Upcoming 4-week FallProof balance training classes:
1.  Thursday, March 30.  T/Th, 10:30-noon.  Fit4-U.  4440 Marconi Ave.  $99.  Ends April 27.
2.  Tuesday, April 18.  T/Th, 1:30-3:00pm.  Parkside Church.  5700 S. Land Park Dr. Ends May 11.

Visit my website, THE FALL PREVENTION LADY for more information.
Follow my page on Facebook:  The Fall Prevention Lady

Parkside balance training results will blow your mind!

I just finished a four-week balance training class series at Parkside Community Church on the southside of town.  Becky Anton is the Parish Nurse and I have been working with her to improve quality of life for the community since my graduate studies in 2008.   Teaching fall prevention classes at Parkside is like going home; I lived in the area during my graduate studies and my passion for teaching older adults how to NOT fall down started in this very church.  Nearly ten years later, Becky is retiring and I'm still teaching!

This group was smaller than normal with five women between the ages of 67 and 76.  I was blessed to have former FallProof™research study participant and FallProof™ class attendee Pat (who is now 90 years old and no falls) join us on Thursdays.  She couldn't make Tuesday class because it interfered with her computer class at ACC!

The post-assessment results for this small group are HUGE!  Let's start with lower body strength, the number one indicator of fall risk.  While everyone improved in this area, some of the improvements were significant.  Pat, 90 years old, did six more chair stands and did not use her hands to get up.  That is amazing!  The sixty-seven and 68-year old participants did an additional 5 and 4 stands, respectively.  Huge improvements in the fall prevention muscles in only four weeks!

The average increase in lower body flexibility was between an inch and half an inch; you know the difference between tripping over the uneven sidewalk or not.  The ability to pick up your toes when walking and how you walk directly impact your risk of a fall.  We address both of these elements throughout this balance training series.  The 67 year-old retired teacher increased her lower body flexibility by three (3) inches.  Combined with increased lower body strength of 5 stands, she improved her dynamic balance over half a second.

Dynamic balance is the combination of both lower body strength and flexibility and this directly affects overall agility and ability to navigate obstacles quickly and safely. Dynamic balance score improvements were significant; our 68-year old who had prior left ankle and right shoulder fractures increased her dynamic balance and agility by 3.3 seconds!  Wow.  The tall, lanky 73-year old who recently had a left hip replacement improved her speed by 2.4 seconds.  Bam! Faithful Pat was one second faster.  This is wonderful news!

It may have been a small class but the results are HUGE!  The impact that these fitness parameters has on fall risk is astounding; these ladies now have stronger, more flexible legs that react quicker to external, environmental demands.  This is fall prevention in action!  This is successful balance training.  I am so proud of each and every participant for their time, dedication and energy.  Great class.

Next class at Parkside begins the Tuesday after Easter.  Visit my website for details. Website 

Follow my page on Facebook: The Fall Prevention Lady

Greatest Improvement Award is a TIE; 66 and 69 year old

We just finished another awesome 4-week FallProof™ balance training session at Fit-4U Fitness Studio and the results are in!  Everyone, from age 66-81, improved in at least TWO areas of physical fitness directly involved in daily balance.

The greatest improvements were seen in lower body strength and lower body flexibility; both essential in a steady walking gait, reduced tripping hazards and improved reaction times.  I use standardized senior fitness tests to do pre-and post-testing; after all, you're guessing if you're not assessing.

The (69) sixty-nine year old participant results:

• Lower body Strength:  75% stronger in pre-and post-scores
• Lower body Flexibility:  Gained an inch of flexibility and movement
• Dynamic Balance and Agiliity: Quicker by one and half seconds

(66) sixty-six year old female:

• Increased lower body strength by 15% however she is now in the 100th percentile of women same age.
• Increased lower body flexibility by three and a half inches; placing her in the 13th percentile for similar age and gender

Excellent job everyone in the class!

While I love seeing huge improvements like these, four weeks is an unusually short time to expect such results.  It is not a competition but these numbers do not lie; your body was made to be in motion.  Let's keep it that way!

Next class begins March 30th.

• Visit my website and save your spot! The Fall Prevention Lady 
• Keep up to date.  Follow me on Facebook:  The Fall Prevention Lady

Post-balance training test results are in and this is amazing!

I just finished coaching a four-week FallProof™ balance training session at a local church here in Carmichael, California.  Even though we had a small group, the improvements were HUGE~

I test fitness parameters associated with fall risk both the first and last day of class to measure the effectiveness of the classes.  I do this for several reasons; one, I am a firm believer in using standardized tests to measure the effectiveness of intervention strategies.  Secondly, I am a firm believer in the FallProof™ program and have been keeping data for over eight years to show the effectiveness of the program and the methodology of instruction.

Lastly, numbers don't lie.  Balance can be a subjective feeling that is hard to measure so having pre-and post-data clearly shows the impact of participating in the class on the three fitness parameters associated with balance and falls.

Ages varied from 67 to 89. Fitness levels ranged from highly independent and active to high fall-risk.   Here are the results:

•  Dynamic Balance:  89 yo improved her speed and agility by 2.5 seconds  (+2.5 seconds)
•  Lower body strength:  67 yo increased leg strength by 5 chair stands, putting her in the 100th   percentile for women her age  (+5 stands)
• Lower body flexibility:
• 89 yo man: improved (4)four inches in (4)four weeks   (+4.1 inches)
• 81 yo woman:  increased flexibility 6.5 inches in four weeks  (+6.5 inches)

I am so proud everyone in the class.  These people "get it" and understand the importance of consistent movement to remain independent .  They also "get" the fact that balance can improve but it takes effort.  Isn't your independence and vitality worth the effort?  

Next class starting March 30th at Fit-4U Fitness Studio. 

Contact me at info@thefallpreventionlady.com

Like my Facebook page:  The Fall Prevention Lady

Visit my website:  The Fall Prevention Lady.com

Cadaver Dissection Insights with The Fall Prevention Lady

Last month I was blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime; to watch and participate in a human cadaver dissection!  This wasn't your typical anatomy and physiology lab dissection; this dissection was movement-oriented in that we focused on the muscles, nerves, tendons, and fascial tissue of the human body and how lifestyle choices affect the way you move.

Anatomy Live, Phoenix AZ 2017

Michol Dalcourt of The Institute in Motion collaborated with Tom Meyers of "Anatomy Trains" to offer this amazing weekend of enlightenment to personal trainers, physical therapists, massage therapists, and movement, balance and mobility specialists who strive to learn as much about the human body in order to offer our clients the most effective program for individual movement disorders.  

For eight hours, four teams of seven students stood alongside and worked with a Master Dissector.  While students dissected the torso and extremities to view the muscles and fascia at each table, one group focused on the internal organs, Tom's team studied the brain, expert dissector Todd's table went up one side in the morning and down the other in the afternoon while my team dissected the frontside in the morning and the backside in the afternoon.  

Four lives lived. Four lifestyle behaviors reflected four cadavers.  With much respect, we named our cadaver and learned how she lived her life by the condition of her muscles, soft tissues and joints.  Here's what my team discovered about Frieda:

• She was overweight with most of the fat around her belly, butt and thighs (pear-shaped)
• She had typical "old age" posture, probably due to using a walker:
• Rounded shoulders
• Dowagers hump 
• Bent forward with chin jutting forward
• She walked with a limp, favoring her right side
• She had NO ANKLE FLEXIBILITY on her dominant left side
• She couldn't raise her arms over her head

Later that evening, as I 'dissected' the day's event in my mind (pun intended), I realized the four cadavers reflected a lifetime of personal choices and the resultant muscle imbalances, limited mobility and diminished strength associated with personal behavior and advanced age.  

It was fascinating to be able to deduce movement and compensation patterns of the person by the muscle integrity, joint mobility and connective tissue properties of the cadaver.  

This was the best learning experience of my life.  

I have a tremendous respect for the human body and the interconnectedness of the kinetic chain.  

As a balance and mobility specialist and movement re-educator, I was able to witness firsthand the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.  

As a result of this hands-on learning opportunity, my passion to help people break poor habits and "re-learn" how to move more efficiently has grown tremendously.  I am The Fall Prevention Lady and I want to help you move better, with less pain.  I am here to help you live the life you planned for.

Kelly

The Fall Prevention Lady

Follow me on Facebook:  The Fall Prevention Lady

Visit my website:  The Fall Prevention Lady

At age 59, it's better to get a cancer diagnosis than to fall!

Last month I attended Perform Better's One-Day Conference in South San Francisco.  Four icons in the fitness industry (Gray Cook, Dan John, Todd Durkin and Martin Rooney) presented one-hour lectures to an auditorium full of movement specialists, personal trainers, physical therapists, massage therapists and athletes in the morning and put four teams of us through an exercise component in the afternoon.

Dan John, a renowned Lifting and Throwing Coach, immediately caught my attention when he said,
 "As a 59 year old man, it's better for me to be diagnosed with cancer than it is for me to fall"!

Statistically, he's right!!!  According to the CDC:

• 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 and one-half of those over 80 will fall this year
• Falls are leading cause of death and injury in people over 65
• 99% of hip fractures are due to falls
• 20% of people who break a hip will die within two years
• Over half will need assistance in one or more activities of daily living the rest of their life

Wow!  As an oral cancer survivor, I know the horrific pain of radiation.  However three years after my treatment ended, the memory of the pain is starting to dull and I am blessed to say my life is not significantly different now than before having cancer.  I can only say this because I worked out everyday during treatment and after six months of presentations and staff trainings, I took a six-month hiatus to rest, recover and routinely build muscle and self-confidence.  

If I was twenty or thirty years older (69 or 79, respectively), tripped, fell and broke my right hip while walking on the sidewalk, statistically the fall would have a greater impact on my life than cancer did.  

I'd like you to think about this for awhile.  A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Think about investing in your future by investing in your balance today.  

The tips and techniques that I teach in my balance and movement classes, will stick with you for the rest of your life.  Your self-confidence will blossom as your balance improves.  

I. N.V. E. S. T.  in Y.O.U!

I offer a dynamic one-time workshop that will help you better understand balance and how aging and exercise impact your independence.  Remember that movement is LIFE.

I also offer the best balance training program for older adults.  FallProof™ is a progressively challenging program that systematically trains the muscles and senses involved in balance.  Definitely not your average 'senior center fall prevention class'.

Visit my website for more information.  THE FALL PREVENTION LADY 
Follow my page on Facebook:  THE FALL PREVENTION LADY on Facebook

BENEFITS OF FALLPROOF BALANCE TRAINING

For nearly a decade, I have been doing what I love and living my purpose; teaching older adults how to improve balance and strength so they 

DO NOT FALL DOWN!

Dr. Debra Rose designed FallProof™ balance training with a specific target audience in mind.  Although FallProof™ is not for everyone, I have seen people of all ability levels benefit from the program and hundreds of lives have changed for the better because of this program.  

Benefits:

The Fallroof™ program has been proven to reduce the risk of falling in participants who have completed one or more rotations of the program. The goal of FallProof™ is to deliver:

• Improved postural alignment
• Increased limits of stability
• Improved integration of sensory information
• Increased confidence
• Improved performance of activities of daily life
• Heightened awareness of risk factors and circumstances
• Improved walking ability
• Improved ability to recover from loss of balance

One achieves these benefits from the structured and progressive program of activities specifically designed to address the multiple dimensions that contribute to balance and mobility.  THIS IS NOT YOUR SENIOR CENTER FALL PREVENTION CLASS!!!

Techniques taught by balance and mobility specialists include: 

• Center of Gravity Control Training
• Multisensory Training
• Postural Strategy Training
• Gait Pattern Enhancement Variation Training
• Strength & Flexibility Training

Improvements are measured by pre- and post-assessment testing.  

Obviously, volunteers cannot teach this class.  A person cannot become a FallProof™ specialist after a 3-day training.  Certified specialists are required to re-test every two years in order to maintain certification.  WARNING:  There are people who were certified and have failed to maintain their certification.  Not only is this unsafe for the consumer but it also lacks integrity and fidelity to the program.  Ask your instructor if she is currently certified. 

As I mentioned, FallProof™ was designed with a specific target audience in mind.  The ideal candidate for the classes I teach meet the following criteria:

• Community dwelling, live independently in own home or apartment
• Able to safely walk a distance of 200 feet without the use of any assistive device (cane or walker)
• No memory loss or cognitive impairment likely to adversely impact judgment and/or decision-making abilities
• No unstable medical condition (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or asthma)

 If you meet these criteria and are ready for results, 

please visit my website for dates and locations of upcoming classes.  

www.thefallpreventionlady.com

Walk Steady. Stop Confidently.

 A class in Sacramento that teaches you how to 

walk steady and stop confidently!

The FallProof™ balance and mobility training program is the best program for anyone over the age of 60 who is living life at home and realizes your balance is getting worse and you want to do something about it before a fall so I can stay at home and live the quality life you have worked so hard to enjoy!  FallProof™ is also perfect for anyone who may have already fallen and DOES NOT WANT TO FALL DOWN AGAIN!

FallProof is a theory-based, multi-sensory balance training program that was developed years ahead of it's time!  I fell in love with this program from my first exposure in one of creator Dr. Debra Rose's workshops at the International Council on Active Aging Conference in 2007!  

After spending time at the conference with Dr. Rose's team of graduate gerokinesiology students, I knew I wanted to be certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist and coach older adults through this progressively challenging program to improve their balance, increase self-confidence and reduce fall risk. 

That was over ten years ago!  It's been quite a decade but I have continued to offer the best balance training class for older adults throughout the Sacramento region.

If you're 'ambulatory', 'mobile', or 'barely get around', this class is for you!  This balance training session is in Carmichael area, close to Whole Foods.  Love to see you there this week.  

UPCOMING FALLPROOF CLASS IN SACRAMENTO:  

WHERE:    Parkside Community Church
                   5700 S. Land Park Dr.  Sacramento, CA 95822

WHEN:  Feb.14- March 9th

DAYS:    Tuesday and Thursday afternoons

TIMES:   1pm-2:30pm

COST:    $99 per person
REGISTER:  info@thefallpreventionlady.com