Be aware that exercise is the #1 way to prevent a fall

I am presenting six fall prevention workshops for the City of Sacramento's 50+ Wellness program's "Stand Up to Falls" program. The target group is community dwelling older adults who are concerned about falling or who have fallen and want to learn how they can reduce the risk of another fall. It amazes me that people do not associate exercise with fall prevention.
The first workshop went extremely well and I learned as much from the participants as they learned from me. Everyone wanted to know how to prevent a fall and the answer is simple: EXERCISE DAILY! The best way to prevent a fall is to engage in a regular exercise program designed to strengthen and stretch your muscles, increase postural awareness, and challenge your balance. These are necessary components of a fall risk reduction exercise program.

Make the time to exercise each day. Follow along with your favorite senior exercise video. That is the best way to prevent a fall.
The Fall Prevention Lady

Stand Up to Falls...

Kaiser Permanente is funding the fall risk reduction program that the City of Sacramento's 50+ wellness program is presenting to Sacramento residents. I am the featured presenter! The focus of these workshops is to increase awareness of risk factors and to teach participants basic exercise techniques that will keep them strong and independent.
The first workshop was at the Oak Park community center and there were 23 participants. How exciting that people understand the need for preventative action. Unlike most workshops, my Stand Up to Falls presentation offers the knowledge and the skills people need to remain free from falls. I demonstrate balance techniques, strengthening exercises, stretching movements and get participants marching for endurance. Hey, a person can march while seated so no excuses....everyone can get involved!
The workshop was a success and I look forward to helping residents throughout the Sacramento region reduce their risk of a fall in any way shape or form that I am able. For the schedule of remaining workshops, click here. Hey, please attend one of these workshops, they're free.
The Fall Prevention Lady.

Brain Education for Successful Aging

Are you worried about losing your memory?
Are you concerned about losing your grip on reality?
Are you afraid what might happen if you do lose your memory?
Most adults are. In fact, over 80% of baby boomers are concerned about brain function, or losing brain capacity.
During the 6th annual ICAA conference last week in San Antonio, I had the opportunity to attend a cutting edge research seminar on Brain Education for Successful Aging hosted by Cal State Fullerton brain education expert, Dr. Jessie Jones and Master student, Nicole Dean.
Dr. Jones did a fabulous job of explaining what happens to our brain during the aging process and ways a person can optimize brain function while aging using the BEST training program.
My friends, the results are in: Physical activity is the best thing you can do to maintain your brain, the take home message was "What's good for your heart is good for you brain".

To improve function, tasks should be:

• Complex (aka, challenging)

• New

• Some type of aerobic movement that increases circulation

Studies indicate walking is one of the best exercises you can do because walking involves moving various parts of the body. By paying attention to what you're doing, you engage the thinking process which stimulates the brain.
During my fall risk reduction exercise classes, I challenge participants to practice the skill of walking in place. No big deal, right? Try it after years of using a walker or cane!
I challenge adults to lift the opposite arm and leg (the body's natural balance mechanism) and you should see the concentration level rise! Practice makes perfect and my class is a perfect example of that. The simple act of walking in place can benefit your brain, your balance, and your endurance. All in one activity!
Maintain your brain function and Take 5 to Exercise everyday!
The research is in. The follow along videos are out. Order your set today.
The Fall Risk Reduction Lady!

Senior Exercise Videos and Fall Prevention

I believe that maintaining one's physical well being is probably the most important component of a fall prevention program.   I'm not just saying that because I am a Certified Personal Fitness trainer because as we all know, without one's health, quality of life is severely compromised.

So as the holidays approach (yes, another year is almost gone), I begin to notice the different types of gifts available and most of them are junk.  Unfortunately, we are a society who tends to gather junk, well at least I do.  Hoarding runs in the family but that is something I actively resist as I get older and my apartment gets smaller!

Anyway, I was scanning the Senior Exercise Videos and found the same consensus:  most of them are junk!  The instructors aren't qualified, the moves are done incorrectly and in some cases, the entire format is copied from a good one.   I have quickly learned that some professional agencies plagerize for the sake of profit  so this one's you  in florida, consider it my gift to you,  extra information you may have overlooked or you may need content for your blog on fall prevention.

Any decent exercise video designed for older adults who want to reduce the risk of a fall should include 4 components and they are:
1. Flexibility
2. Strength
3. Balance
4. Endurance

As a Fall Prevention instructor for the City of Sacramento's 50 Plus Wellness program, I make sure to include exercises that address each of these components in my classes.  For those who do not have the luxury of an instructor or an activity director, make sure that the senior exercise video you spend your money on has more content that just sitting in the chair throwing your arms around.  Each exercise has a purpose and is intended for a specific muscle group.

My Take 5 to Exercise fall prevention series addresses these 4 components all while seated making them safe for any senior who watches exercise videos at home.  I safely coach the viewer through basic moves intended to improve flexibility and balance, increase strength and endurance, and encourage better posture.   Oh and I also encourage viewers to engage that imagination so be prepared for battle of the bulge!

Show a loved one how much you care, ease your concerns and help break the cycle of fear associated with a fall.  Order a complete set of my Take 5 to Exercise Fall Prevention exercise routines today.

The Fall Prevention Lady