Northern California Falls Prevention Coalition

I am a member of the Northern California Falls Prevention Coalition and we are planning a huge community event during Fall Prevention Week. Fall Prevention week is officially the third week of September and this year that is Sept. 19-25. Some of the biggest senior service agencies and fall prevention experts are part of this coalition so I am honored to be part of this group.

Kaiser Permanente and the Area 4 Agency on Aging are sponsoring this free event on Saturday, September 25 at the Dan B. Moore building on the South Sacramento Kaiser campus. The event is from 9am-2pm and a free lunch will be served to the first 150 participants who register. Vendors will be on site to talk about services and products that help reduce the risk of falls and there will be assessments throughout the day.

The following are the workshops that will be held in the morning:
1. Me, Kelly Ward, aka The Fall Prevention Lady, will lead the morning group stretch and fall prevention exercise component.
2. David Grantham of Rebuilding Together will talk about home modifications to allow older adults to remain safe in their homes
3. Registered dietician Lila Shelton will talk about the importance of healthy foods to keep the body strong and thereby reduce the risk of falling
4. Either Jane Stanely of A4AA or a pharmacist will talk about the connection between medication management and fall prevention.

It's going to be a great FALL PREVENTION event that will benefit anyone who is concerned about falling. Make sure to register early by calling the Area 4 Agency on Aging, (916) 486-1876.

Blessings,
Kelly Ward
The Fall Prevention Lady

Educate. Motivate. Demonstrate.

It's hard for me to describe what I do. I am a personal fitness trainer. I am a gerontologist. I am a balance and mobility specialist. I am a fall risk reduction exercise instructor. I am a health educator. It seems that all of a sudden, the years of education and training are coming together. Wonderfully. As I head into the final stretch of my master of science studies, my path is clear before me. The best part about it? I love what I do.
Many people struggle through life wondering what their purpose is and I have been that person. After an extended family vacation in Pennsylvania, my purpose is solidified in my mind. I am doing what I was intended to do: help older adults reduce the risk of an accidental fall through the application of consistent physical movement designed to increase strength and flexibility while improving balance and mobility.
I am the vehicle to deliver a renewed hope. To encourage people to take responsibility for their health. The first way to be accountable is to be educated. You cannot succeed or make a change if you are not aware of the changes that need to be made or how you can contribute to your personal success. Life is about living. Sometimes we need to be shown a new way.
Everything was fine in '09 but it's time to win in '10. Out with the old, negative mindsets and in with the fresh, positive attitude that begins with you. Take 5 to Exercise each day. Be consistent. Perservere. It works.
The Fall Prevention Lady