Fall risk screenings....

I am going out into my community to set up 4-hour screenings where I will be testing older adults for balance and mobility system impairments that, if left unchecked, can increase the risk of an accidental fall. My community project is about increasing awareness through early detection and preventative education. This type of outreach is what communities need to implement before falls reach epidemic proportions among the older population.

I plan on using the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale to test community-dwelling older adults who are interested in testing their balance skills. This type of test is perfect for older adults who do not consider themselves vulnerable to a fall and it's also perfect for anyone who have fallen and is concerned about falling again. The FAB includes 10-fitness tests that are designed to assess the body systems involved in balance and mobility; the visual, vestibular, somatosensory, and musculoskeletal. This type of fitness testing is recommended for the "young-old".

When appropriate, I will recommend using the Berg Balance scale which is a good assessment tool for the more frail individual. Due to the sedentary nature of our society, I will not be surprised by the number of older adults who are only capable of the 14-fitness tests on the Berg. Both of these assessment tools are research and evidence-based methods of indicating those who are either moderate or high risk of falling.

I will be using these functional assessment tools in increase public awareness of the vulnerability everyone has when it comes to losing his or her balance. Some of the tests are challenging and can be quite humbling when doing them. I hope to educate Sacramento residents about how to reduce the risk of an accidental fall by remaining physically active. It is important to Take 5 to Exercise each day and challenge the body's balance systems regularly and safely.

If you're not assessing, you're guessing. So find out what your strengths are, be aware of your weaknesses and take responsibility for your well being by following a regular exercise routine, either seated or standing. And smile, your body will adapt and improve!

If interested, contact me.... livinfit@gmail.com

Certified fall risk reduction instructor

This past weekend, I attended the FallProof practical exam weekend at the Center for Successful Aging, located on the campus of California State University in Fullerton, California. Only after completing an intensive online course was I eligible for the final testing. I am proud to say that I passed both the online and practical examinations with flying colors!

Obviously, Dr. Debra Rose isn't messing around when it comes to her FallProof balance and mobility program for older adults! She has set a standard of instruction that sets her program above and beyond others. Not just anyone can teach the techniques and skills required of this program. Instructors are expected to be knowledgeable and trained in the kinesiology and anatomy of older adults, specifically the systems that are responsible for maintaining an upright position throughout life's activities.

While the FallProof program is intensive, it is not for everyone. Not at first. Some adults may be challenged by some of the tests and those adults may be referred to their primary care physician or physical therapist before enrolling in the program. Dr. Rose and her colleagues believe that a minimal amount of physical strength and/or flexibility is necessary for a person to safely remain living independently within the community. Without sufficient lower body strength, a person cannot get up and safely stay up, making a fall almost inevitable.

This is why people living at home need to Take 5 to Exercise and do it on a regular basis; strength and flexibility are essential to one's quality of life and independence! Day 2 and Day 4 of my 5-day senior exercise video series are specifically dedicated to strength building activities. While seated, I demonstrate how to perform several exercises that use a resistance band to increase lower body strength.

Day 1 is all about Flexibility as the Take 5 to Exercise ladies and I demonstrate fun stretching movements from the seated position. Throughout the series, I encourage viewers to regularly practice the Basic 5 stretches which are designed to increase circulation and flexibility of major muscles.

So whatever you do, do something! Falls cannot be prevented but the risk of falling can be reduced. Sacramento region, The Fall Prevention Lady is now a certified FallProof balance and mobility instructor who will be offering classes (limited to 10 people) and small group training. In the meantime, prepare yourself and make the time to Take 5 to Exercise each day!