Brain-based Training with Parkinson's Disease

After my Fall Prevention 101 and Parkinson's Disease presentation at the Parkinson's Disease support group in Lincoln Hills, I started working with several people for private sessions in their home in the Lincoln Hills neighborhood.  Ironically, I just started in-home brain-based balance and fall prevention training with another woman who is living w/Parkinson's .  I'm visiting her in her Carmichael home for private sessions.

That's three new clients living with Parkinson's within one week: talk about a sign that I'm supposed to work with Parkinson's Disease right now!  Praise God!

Although these people share the same diagnosis, each person is totally unique.  Every brain is different.  Although there are some similarities in my approach to activating their nervous systems, their training programs are different.  Through systematic testing and retesting, I determine which areas of the brain need more activation and which areas might need inhibition.

Discovering these key pieces of information about the brain is a process and critical for precise results.  All this is done through sensory tests that activate the cranial nerves, and peripheral nerves.   Different inputs, different results.  The direction of head turns and eye movements are unique to each brain but once we find the "high payoff" drills, it's magic!

Movement is Life.  It's time to start LIVING

Results are measured by one of several fitness indictators.  Everything is personalized.
Living with Parkinson's is a lifelong challenge.  Thanks to neuroscience research and recent discoveries, there are simple ways to activate areas of the brain affected by Parkinson's.  The more you activate these areas, the better you feel.

Neuro-training will not cure you of Parkinson's but it can significantly improve the quality of your life while living with it.  The brain loves sensory input and there are fun ways to activate dopamine production naturally.  Ways to stimulate the basal ganglia for better movement.  Ways to activate the cerebellum to reduce tremors.

If you don't use it, you lose it.  Work with me and I will show you how to activate areas of the brainstem, frontal lobe, cortex and cerebellum for better balance, accuracy and coordination.  One session will not eliminate your problems but will get us on the right track.

Think one week of brain-based training for every month you have had Parkinson's.  Holistic, brain activation drills to immediately improve balance, vision, movement and pain.  You're worth it.

Sign up for your personalized brain-activation program for better balance, movement and vision.  Less pain, too.

Schedule your 90-minute consult today.  In-home or Video-Conference.  $150.
info@thefallpreventionlady.com

Lucky 13 students in Holiday Brains and Balance Session

I am thrilled to have 13 eager students enrolled in my holiday session of Brains and Balance Training at the Woodland Community and Senior Center in Woodland California.  A diverse group of men and women between 49 and 86 years old decided it was time to do something about their failing balance skills.

As I completed pre-assessment senior fitness testing, the small group got to know each other as they played balloon volleyball and called out things associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The first day is a healthy balance of movement and learning and everyone is assigned homework.

The second class focused on proprioception and walking gaits.  Students laughed as they tried simple movements in both directions and tried to remember which walking gait was #3.  Reaction speeds got better as threat was reduced.  Nervous smiles were wiped away with laughter.  Movement is life and relearning how to move should be fun!

Everyone brings their unique challenges to balance and movement because we all have lived different lives and made different choices in that lifetime.  Some of us were dealt a rotten hand.  We're all trying to get by the best we can and for some, that's harder to do.  

I'm so excited about working with this awesome group who has taken time out of their busy holiday schedule to invest in themselves.  These people are giving themselves the gift of independence.  Gain control of their body and learn to move again with sensory input activation.

Brains and Balance Training.  These people are learning how to activate parts of their brain that contribute to good movement, stable balance, better vision and less pain.  All through sensory activation drills and muscle activation exercises.  

You've got to give the brain what it needs for healthy function.  Let me show you how!  Join a brains and balance training class or enroll in my online balance training program!
Gift yourself.  

Myth: I have vertigo so my balance won't ever get better

Vertigo is an inner ear disorder that is characterized by bouts of paralyzing dizziness, nausea, fatigue and of course, the anxiety and depression due to these unpredictability of life altering episodes.   Some vertigo is situational and disappears while other types of vertigo can last a lifetime.  Needless to say falls are a major concern for people who suffer from vertigo due to inner ear dysfunction.

Train Vestibular Input for Better Output with Coach Kelly

There are other types of inner ear disorders that have the same impact; dizziness, the loss of daily functional ability and falls.  My aunt Betty was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease had to quit line dancing; her favorite activity for forty years.

Although she was able to manage some of the symptoms with medication, her inner ear disorder affected all other areas of her life which negatively impacted her quality of life.

While inner ear disorders can be life altering, there are ways to train the vestibular system for better balance and reduction of the  many symptoms that accompany inner ear dysfunction.

Unfortunately when someone experiences dizziness or loss of balance due to head movement, they subconsciously begin to change body position and behavior to restrict head movement.  Smart brain, huh?  Two classic representations of a person living with inner ear disorder are: 1) Bobblehead or 2) Stiff walking.

Bobble head means the head moves all over the place when walking.   This is done subconsciously because one of the brain's reflexive pathways isn't working.  The other extreme is the stiff walker.  This is also done subconscious to prevent any natural movement of the head that occurs when walking because another reflexive pathway isn't working correctly.  

Here's the best news:  you can retrain your vestibular system and begin to regain control of your life.  I train the vision, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems for better sensory input and less sensory mismatch.  The result is your brain feels "safe" and can better predict what's going on now and what to expect.

Your frontal lobe or human self can tell yourself exactly what's going on but the part of the brain responsible for movement and vestibular integration doesn't communicate like that; it needs consistent, strong inputs for better movement or as I like to say, "all cylinders firing".

Now that I'm a Z-Health neuro-performance coach and balance expert who specializes in vision, vestibular and proprioceptive inputs to the brain, I wish I could have helped my Aunt Betty manage her meniere's disease for better daily function and maybe even get back on the dance floor.  I couldn't help but I'm here to help you.  

Can I cure you?  No.  That's up to you.  I give you the tools and you do the work.
 
I make NO PROMISES OR GUARANTEES but I can offer new brain-based training methods that have been shown to work.  If you've tried everything and nothing has worked, it's time to try something else.  I offer neuro-scientifically proven, holistic neural training to optimize daily performance.

Training Packages available   Skype/Facebook Live sessions.
Please contact me for more information:  info@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

Preparing for the most challenging decade of your life!

During the first Fall Prevention 101 workshop of the year at Lutheran Good Shepherd Church in Sacramento, I was explaining the phenomena known as 'sarcopenia'; the natural loss of muscle mass exasperated with inactivity and age.  That "Sarcopenia" starts when we are in our thirties, increases significantly during our sixties and by the time we reach the eighties, we can lose as much as fifty percent of muscle mass in the ten years ahead.

As I explained, one gentleman at the front table corrected me when I said, "...by the time we reach the eighth decade of life, referring to the eighties (80-89),   a person can lose as much as 50% muscle mass just living life.  He pointed out that the eighties are the ninth decade of life and not the eighth!!!  We all laughed as I continued.  I truly appreciated this correction and have made a mental note to myself which I will never forget.

I want you to never forget the term, "USE IT OR LOSE IT".  According to the law of evolution, we naturally lose muscle mass as part of the aging process.  Choosing to live a sedentary lifestyle (aka, not building strength with regular resistance training) quickens muscle loss.   Think about it for a second; a two-week hospital stay when you're in your thirties isn't going to cause nearly as much weakness and muscle loss as when you're in your eighties, or as I now know, the ninth decade of life!!!!

The eighties or ninth decade of life is the most critical for building strength and being proactive about your health and wellness.  The reason?  I believe this is true due to the long-term consequences of years and years of unhealthy lifestyle choices.  The cumulation of choices (i.e., not being active, eating junk food, and sitting on the couch) take a tremendous toll on the body and physcial impact is evident in poor movement patterns.  The result; imbalance, weakness, stiffness and increased risk of falls.

Can sarcopenia be reversed?  Can it be delayed?  There are studies that show that yes, sarcopenia can be slowed down by engaging in a consistent exercise routine and nutritional support designed to increase strength, improve flexibility, challenge balance and exercise postural muscles.  The human body was made to be in motion; movement is life.

Let's keep it moving~

The Fall Prevention Lady
"Movement Re-Educator
www.thefallpreventionlady.com

Fall Prevention 101 at Woodland Senior Center

Happy Fall!?!   Of course I'm talking about the season and not the "official definition" of the tragic event of 'unintentionally coming to rest on a surface lower than originally started' (Dr. Rose, 2001).

If you know me, Kelly Ward, "The Fall Prevention Lady™at all, you know that I have been teaching older adults about things that cause falls and how to reduce that risk since starting my graduate studies in 2003.  Although we can prevent (or substantially reduce the risk of) a physical fall, we cannot prevent the season!

Ironically, the National Coalition on Aging (NCOA), the largest government agency geared to the safety and well-being of older adult, has deemed September as National Fall Prevention Awareness month, with the third week as Awareness week and the first day of fall as National Fall Prevention Awareness Day.  This year's motto was "Ready, Set, Balance: Preventing Falls in 2016".  

Today I was honored to be the keynote speaker at a fall prevention event hosted by Comfort Keepers of Yolo County, organized by Cindi Unger and hosted by the Woodland Community and Senior Center.  There was a great turnout (100+ older adults and IHHS workers) as well as community vendors including the Woodland Rotary Club.

I have been presenting my Fall Prevention 101 workshop since 2011, have been blessed to speak to audiences across the country and recently updated my copyrighted material in order to keep current with fall prevention research and supplement with valuable training skills I recently acquired.  

Regardless of how long I've been speaking to groups of older adults, family members and professionals who work with older adults, I grow more passionate about the message I deliver with each presentation.  Today, I was on fire!  I absolutely love what I do and there isn't a shadow of a doubt that I am living God's purpose for me; to empower older adults to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of falls.  

The gratitude of the audience was humbling and even though I am not a "Physical Therapist",  I do have God's favor and ability to present a dynamic presentation that I researched, wrote and created.  

Thank you to all who attended.  I hope you are empowered to make at least one change to remain independent and on your feet in your home.  You worked hard for where you are and you have the ability to prevent a (another) fall.

Consistent, not seasonal!
Your friend and coach~

Kelly
The Fall Prevention Lady™

Fall Prevention Muscles

Getting old ain't easy; our bodies are changing, our minds are wandering and our world is shrinking.  Unbeknownst to many, as these changes associated with aging take place over time, the risk of falling increases in direct proportion to the changes one experiences.

It may be one close call that shocks you back into you reality or it may be a fall that opens your eyes to the increased vulnerability of getting older.   Although falls are associated with getting older, they are not a normal part of the aging process; the risk CAN BE reduced.  The first step to remaining independent is to learn how the process of getting older affects one's balance system and the ability to react timely and appropriately.

We've all heard the old adage; "Use it or Lose it" and honestly that is the most true, most appropriate advice to keep in mind as our body clocks keep ticking and the years start adding up.  The "Use it or Lose it"principle applies to every facet of fitness; strength, balance, flexibility, endurance as well as  our brain, including memory and cognitive function.  If you do not practice skills and challenge yourself, your body and mind forget how to react.  In other words, what used to be "INSTINCTUAL" is forgotten; and the body/brain forget how to react timely and appropriately.

Relating to balance, the number one way to improve balance is to increase lower body strength.   The quadriceps or front thigh muscles are our "fall prevention" muscles.  With strong legs, a person is better able to walk, remain balanced and react to imbalances quickly which is why our leg muscles are called our "fall prevention muscles".  Therefore, it is essential that older adults engage in consistent lower body strengthening exercises.

This can be a daunting task for anyone who has trouble standing up, so all I'm asking you to do is stand up and sit back down.  Some people need to use their hands to get up and that's ok.  Just do this movement.  Some people have 'bad knees' and standing and sitting hurts their knees.  IF that is the case, I have two suggestions:

1.  Protect your knees:  Proper form leads to proper function.  If you're sitting down 'incorrectly', you may be placing an extreme amount of pressure on your knees which increases the pain.  My suggestion to you is envision the worst port-a-potty you have ever been in; the one that you're afraid to touch the seat.  As you sit down in your chair, LEAD WITH YOUR HIPS, not wanting to sit but to direct your buttocks over the seat.  As you reach back with your hips, your weight will shift to your heels and you will sit down slowly, leading with your hips, sensing that your buttocks is going past your heels.  
2. Use a HIGHER seat:    Some chairs (and toilets) are higher than others and we've all learned that the higher the seat, the easier it is to get up.  I want you to stand up and sit down for a personalized number of times every day, so if you experience pain while doing this exercise from a chair, put a pad on the chair or do this exercise from the side of your bed if it's higher than the chair so you can successfully do this exercise in the PAIN-FREE zone.    Listen, a partial sit to stand is better than none at all.  Find the seat height that works for you and do your sit to stands there, everyday.  

Instead of coming up with excuses, let's find solutions so you can do these exercises specifically designed to improve your balance and keep you on your feet, in your home, thriving in the life you have worked so hard to enjoy.

You are not alone; you are not the only person who feels that their 'balance isn't what it used to be'.  I am a balance specialist and fall prevention expert who has been working older adults of all ability levels, sizes, shapes, colors, culture and beliefs.  I am here for you.
Practical.  Applicable.  Realistic.   Exercises to Improve your Balance.
Educate.  Demonstrate.  Facilitate.  Research-based tools to use at home, at your convenience.

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

Like my Facebook page for regular updates:  The Fall Prevention Lady  

Balance Assessments during Fall Prevention Awareness Week

I was thinking about it and I really feel like doing balance assessments using the Fullerton Advanced Balance(FAB) scale!  I love this 10-item assessment tool because it measures a multitude of elements associated with balance  and fall risk.  It sheds light into the integrity of body systems involved in balance and can be a real eye opener for some.

I used the FAB at various senior and community centers as part of my research study during my graduate studies in 2010 and have had the opportunity to implement the short-form FAB at both the 2011 and 2012 Area 4 Agency on Aging (A4AA) and Kaiser Permanente sponsored Community Fall Prevention Awareness events in Sacramento.

Unfortunately, the A4AA and Kaiser are not hosting another fall prevention community awareness event so it's up to local providers who are passionate about reducing falls among older adults to do something on our own!  And that's exactly what I'm doing; coordinating with local churches to offer balance assessments for older adults.

Community Outreach Balance Assessments and Fall Prevention Workshops:

1.  Parkside Community Church (5700 S. Land Park Dr.  Sacramento, 95820)

• Balance Assessments:  Monday, September 9.  9:30-11:30am.  Registration required
• Fall Prevention 101 Workshop:  Monday, September 23.  10a-Noon.  

2.  Northminster Presbyterian Church (3235 Pope Ave, Sacramento, 95821)

• Balance Assessments:  Wednesday, September 25.  9am-Noon.
• Balance & Mobility Training Classes:  M/W, 9-10am, Oct. 7-Oct. 30

Get educated.  Get active.
We can't stop the season, but we can prevent the accident.

The Fall Prevention Lady

Evidence-based Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance program

Thanks to the California Department of Public Health and the San Mateo County Fall Prevention Task Force, I am now "certified" in the evidence-based Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance (TCMBB) program that has been demonstrated to prevent falls by as much as 55% when a person follows the program.  Woo-hoo!

I thoroughly enjoyed the two-day training with Master Instructor, Robert Nations, from San Diego.  He is a wonderful teacher who really knows the art of Tai Chi.  He patiently taught the group of 13 insstructors from San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara county eight basic moves that are demonstrated to PREVENT FALLS by as much as 55% when done regularly.

Tai Chi is an art form that requires practice.  Lots of it.  Because the benefits are slow and progressive and basically directly related to the amount you practice, a lot of people give up because we're all expecting INSTANT results.  This isn't instant!  It takes practice!

I enjoyed the training and feel confident that with practice, I will be teaching the program to (willing) older adults in two or three months.   Hallejulah!

The Fall Prevention Lady

Preventing Falls One Step at a Time

Ironically, the first day of fall is nationally recognized as Fall Prevention Awareness Day.  The theme for this year's fall prevention awareness campaign is "Preventing Falls One Step at a Time".  In order to prevent a fall, it's important that you're wearing the right shoes!

The right shoe is one that has a good fit, good support, good sole and a good heel.  Think about it...if your shoes don't fit or if they are constantly slipping off your foot, the chances of losing your balance are much higher than if the shoe fits comfortably and securely.

As a Master Trainer in the evidence-based Stepping On fall prevention program, I teach an entire segment on proper footwear.  We do a "shoe audit" and encourage participants to take a good hard look at the shoes you're wearing.  Yes, those slip-on slippers might be your FAVORITE pair but if the shoe doesn't secure around your heel, there's a good chance you are compensating to keep it on.  Think of it like this:

IF IT SLIPS ON, IT COULD SLIP OFF.

Just remember, over 50% of all falls can be prevented with increased awareness and lifestyle changes.  Fall prevention researchers recommend you do two or more of the following:

1. Engage in consistent exercise program
2. Do a home safety check and make (or hire someone) modifications
3. Manage your medications

The more you know about things that contribute to falls and the more changes you make to prevent them, the more likely you are to remain safe and independent. 

Visit my new website, http://www.fallpreventionlady.com and order my book to learn about fall risk factors and mostly, what you can do to improve balance to prevent falls.  

The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention 

All you need to remain independent

One step at a time!
The Fall Prevention Lady

Grant-funded fall prevention program in Sacramento

The Sierra Health Foundation recently awarded the North Sacramento Grandparents Support Group (NSGSG) a grant for fall prevention education and balance training classes to keep grandparents who are raising grandchildren healthy and free from falls. 

I collaborated with the administrators of the NSGSG to develop the program and am proud to be implementing my educational Fall Prevention 101 workshops and evidence-based FallProof™ balance training sessions throughout the Sacramento area over the next year.  

This grant-funded program enables me to educate a segment of the population whom I would not otherwise be able to work with; grandparents raising grandkids!   I'm used to working with older adults who seek out fall prevention services and balance training classes to remain independent.  This group of older adults may be aware of the seriousness of a fall but they do not know that falls can be prevented or have the time and resources to attend this type of program.

So we're bringing it to them!  All classes and workshops have PlayCare available for infants and toddlers so the grandparent can take care of their needs without worry. 

The first balance training class started Tuesday, August 6th at Northminster Presbyterian Church and will meet for one-hour, twice a week for four weeks.  The class is full with 15 participants of all ages and abilities.  I love what I do and I can't wait to see lives transform.

Fall Prevention 101 workshop: 
Monday, August 19:  10am-11:30am
Northminster Presbyterian Church 3235 Pope Ave   95821

Next FallProof Balance Training Class:
Sept. 3- Sept. 27:  Tues/Fri, 11-noon
Lilliput Children's Services  2750 Sutterville Road (Cottage #3 at Sacramento Children's Home) 95820

So Blessed!
The Fall Prevention Lady

1st Stepping On fall prevention program in Long Beach

This past summer (2012), the California Department of Public Health sent me to Madison, WI for training as a Master Trainer in the evidence-based Stepping On fall prevention program.  I enjoyed three days in warm and sunny Madison learning how to be a facilitator, not a "balance specialist".

As a certified FallProof balance and moblility specialist,  I was a bit skeptical of the Stepping On program at first because I firmly believe in Dr. Rose's program.  However, we all know there is more than one way to improve balance and I have to say that after leading a group of nine older adults through the seven-week Stepping On program,  I am a stout supporter of the benefits of this colloborative program.

As a Stepping On Master Leader, I am a facilitator.  I do not answer questions directly but I encourage the decision making and problem solving abilities of the participants.  It was wonderful to hear the group "think" through situations and identify causes of falls, how to prevent future falls, barriers to behavior change and how to maintain safe behavior.

In today's last session, members reported increased balance confidence and an increased awareness of things that cause falls.  The group at Bixby Knolls Towers in Long Beach was extremely educated about falls well informed about obvious dangers.  However everyone said they learned something valuable, especially how to do exercises that improve balance and how to advance those exercises when ready.

True, this is not a "balance and mobility" program but it does implement basic strengthening and balance exercises that do improve balance.  The best thing is the facilitation of a daily routine via an exercise log.  I have incorporated the exercise log into my balance classes and in-home training services.  Love it.

I"m Stepping On in Long Beach!
And LOVING IT!

Another Fall Prevention Workshop at Japanese United Methodist

I recently visited Sacramento on a 4-day, four fall prevention workshop extravaganza.  I was excited to visit my old stomping grounds and see some familiar faces.  My first workshop was a return visit to the active Japanese United Methodist Church in South Sacramento.  Health ministry leader Amy Kawahara invited me and made all the arrangements.  After Sunday services,  a group of twenty older adults eagerly waited for me in the gym.

I presented my dynamic 90-minute workshop and had the group doing the different types of exercise recommended to prevent a fall.   First I prepared the group by leading them through a seated warm up.  Afterward, I led them through progressive balance challenges.  This is always a group favorite activity and it allows me to individualize the challenges to each person's abilities.

Once the central nervous system is alive and ready, I encouraged everyone to increase their strength with my Basic 5 Lower Body Strengthening exercises.  And since you have to stretch what you strengthen, I ended the exercise routine with my Basic 5 Stretches.  And because all falls are accidents, I demonstrate how to get up from a fall.  I call this my "HELP, I've fallen and I CAN get up" demonstration.

The Basic 5 stretches are featured on my seated fall prevention exercise DVD series, Take 5 to Exercise.    All the other exercises, including the stretches, are featured in my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention.  Order you copy today.  You can download it directly to your computer or you can order the hardcopy and I will ship it to you. 

Please contact me if you do not feel comfortable doing financial transactions online. 
My number is (916) 821-5715.

Remain independent.  Get moving.  Stay moving. 
Challenge your balance.

The Fall Prevention Lady

Stand up without help!

I'm teaching my final session of FallProof™ balance and mobility training classes at Parkside Community Church and I have an amazing group of women.  These ladies are working hard to improve their balance and reduce the risk of a fall.

We are in the third week of class and this is when people start recognizing the benefits of the progressively challenging program that I teach.  One very special woman is living with Pompe, a disease of the skeletal muscles and she is taking my class to maintain strength and improve her balance. 

She came to class yesterday and was beaming with excitement.  She shared that she and her husband spent a wonderful weekend at a nearby resort and she had a "breakthrough".  She said there was a circumstance when she normally wouldn't have been able to get up without the assistance of her husband but thanks to her training and doing her prescribed "homeplay", she got up without his help!

I want my readers to know that no matter what your situation is, it's never too late to improve!  Your body can and will adapt to new demands.  You can get stronger and by practicing chair stands everyday, you too can get up without help.

Stick with it.   The exercises I prescribe for homeplay are featured in my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention.  Order your copy today and start a program to help you gain your independence.

The Fall Prevention Lady
PO Box 191655
Sacramento, CA  95819

Basic 5 exercises for fall prevention

In my fall prevention exercise DVD series, Take 5 to Exercise, I emphasize the importance of daily movement.  This movement doesn't have to be strenuous but it should take some effort.  Heck, scratching your back takes effort so if you do it in proper form, you have just exercised!  When you scratch your back consistently, it becomes easier and after a few weeks of doing this, you might be able to reach places you never could before!

So I created my Basic 5 exercises with the hopes of getting people to do something each day!  These exercises are designed to increase blood flow and improve circulation.  This makes you feel good and they work when you do them!

Enter Jodie.  Jodie came to one of my Fall Prevention 101 workshops and she was in bad shape.  After 90 minutes of fall risk education and balance training demonstration, Jodie left with a prescription; The Fall Prevention Lady's Basic 5 exercises and Lower Body Strengthening routine.

Two weeks later Jodie came walking into my first day of balance training classes at Parkside Community Church and she looked like a NEW WOMAN!  I hardly recognized her and had to ask what she had done.  She replied, "The exercises you gave me to do".  This was music to my ears and joy to my soul~!  She practiced the Basic 5 exercises daily and did the 5 lower body strengthening exercises and she no longer uses her walker,  has color in her face and smiles ear to ear now.

What are the Basic 5 exercises?  Check out my You Tube channel here:  HERE.
Order my Take 5 to Exercise DVD.  Email me directly, info@thefallpreventionlady.com
Buy my book.  Visit this website:  Complete Guide to Fall Prevention.com

Basically 5 exercises to increase circulation and reduce fall risk.  It's up to you.

The Fall Prevention Lady.

Summer is almost over, falls on the way

Summer is almost over….

The lazy dog-days of summer and 100-plus degree temperatures in Sacramento are coming to an end and the season of Fall will be here before you know it.  Back east, the colors of the changing leaves are beautiful and cooler weather is wonderful.  In the sense of seasons, I love Fall.

However as a balance and mobility specialist named “The FallPrevention Lady”, it is my mission to prevent falls!  Although people joke with me about preventing “Fall”, the seriousness of an accidental slip or trip cannot be denied. 

·      Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, unintentional injuries, and hospital admissions for trauma.

·      Falls can take a serious toll on older adults’ quality of life and independence.

·      Up to 50% of falls can be prevented.

To recognize this critical issue, the first week of Fall has been recognized as “Fall Prevention Awareness” Week and last year the city council of Sacramento officially proclaimed the third week of September as “Fall Prevention Week” to encourage communities to get involved in the education of falls and how to prevent them.

This year, the Area 4 Agency on Aging in partnership with Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento, Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell, the City of Sacramento and AT&T are hosting the third annual Community Fall Prevention Event at the Samuel Pannell Meadowview Community Center in South Sacramento. 

·      The event is free to the public and will focus on increasing awareness of factors that increase the risk of a fall and what you can do to reduce your risk of a tragic accident.

·      Local experts will provide free balance and health screenings, vendors will offer fall-related products and there will be a free lunch. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012

·         

9:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m.

·          

Samuel C. Pannell Meadowview Community Center

2450 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832

REGISTER TODAY!!!  CALL (916) 486-1876

If you are unable to attend this free event on Saturday, I will be hosting my Fall Prevention 101 workshop at Parkside Community Church on Tuesday, September 18 from 1-2:30pm.  I will discuss fall risk factors and demonstrate the types of exercise you should be doing to prevent an accidental fall.  Everyone is welcome~ call Becky to register.  (916) 421-0492.

Stepping On Fall Prevention Training

I'm headed to Madison, Wisconsin today for a 3-day training in the fall prevention program, Stepping On.  The California Department of Public Health is sponsoring me to become educated in this national award winning program that combines education, exercise and assessment as a multifactorial approach to reducing the number of falls among older adults who live in the community.

Just as there are numerous causes for falls, a person must do more than one thing to reduce the risk of falling.  Exercise is by the most effective way but an education about what causes falls is also necessary.  In my book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention, I do just that; I educate about fall risks and then demonstrate the different types of exercise a person must do to remain independent.

I am looking forward to becoming certified to instruct the Stepping On program and hope this leads to future employment with the California Department of Public Health and Area 4 Agency on Aging...or maybe a position in Wisconsin!  Good things are going to happen and I am willing to go wherever I am needed.

Praise God for this opportunity!
The Fall Prevention Lady

The Fall Prevention Lady at Atria El Camino Gardens

Tomorrow, Thursday July 26th at 1 pm, I will be offering my Fall Prevention 101 workshop at Atria El Camino Gardens in Carmichael, California.  I used to teach seated senior fitness classes at Atria El Camino Gardens and I am excited about returning to introduce my new and improved approach to fall risk reduction and balance training.

Atria El Camino Gardens is one of the top assisted living facilities in the area and they are an agency that firmly believes in the power of prevention to keep their residents strong and able.  Engage Life Directory, Staci Weisz provides continuing education workshops to her residents and she loved the idea of offering my Fall Prevention 101 workshop to residents and to the general public.

This workshop not only educates about things that increase the risk of a fall but is also an introduction to the balance and mobility training classes I teach and what participants can expect to do.  The program is progressively challenging and trains both the muscles and senses involved in balance.  FallProof™ is a nationally recognized program and works when a person works it!

Again, the Fall Prevention 101 workshop at Atria El Camino Gardens is free and open to the public! Date:  Thursday July 26 at 1 PM.  I am tentatively scheduled to begin a balance training session on Wed August 8th.  Those one-hour classes will meet twice a week (Wednesdays at 1pm and Saturdays at 10:30am) for four weeks, August 8-September 1, 2012.

My book, The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention, will be on sale to those in attendance.

Educate.  Demonstrate. Facilitate.

Fall prevention and balance training at Davis Senior Center

As the Fall Prevention Lady, I love giving presentations to groups of older adults because my workshop offers a fresh perspective on the prevention of falls.  I have been studying falls among the the aging population and balance training exercises since 2006.   In that time,  I have read the best of the best fall prevention research and attended some of the best personal fitness training workshops in the country.

As a result, my approach to fall prevention has evolved over the years.  I no longer baffle people with my brilliance but offer an educational presentation that is easy to understand and apply to personal situations.   Aging is unique to each of us and we all have experienced different situations and live with different challenges. 

Today I met with the director of the Davis Senior Center in Davis, California about offering a workshop and balance training there in the fall.  (No pun intended).  The Davis Senior Center is an active hub in the small town and the older adult population is educated and active.  I have had several class participants travel from Davis to Sacramento to attend my fall prevention 101 workshops and balance training classes so it would it would be great to introduce myself and my classes to the seniors in the city of Davis.

Planting seeds, networking, spreading the word about the prevention of falls,
The Fall Prevention Lady