Fall Prevention Awareness Week 2020

 As The Fall Prevention Lady, I have been actively involved in promoting awareness of fall risk factors, offering balance assessments and educating older adults how to prevent falls for over fifteen years.  I remember when "Fall Prevention Day" was first recognized and celebrated on the first day of fall or September 23rd.  

Every year since 2008, the third week of September was 'my time to shine'; as a fall prevention educator and balance specialist called 'The Fall Prevention Lady", I was busy giving free educational workshops and organizing and implementing community balance assessments to older adults.  I was one of the original Sacramento Fall Prevention Coalition founding members and with the Area 4 Agency on Aging and Kaiser Permamente, we offered the first community-based fall prevention events.

For the most part, COVID-19  killed community-based fall prevention outreach and I am sad.  I am sad that I did not get to meet hundreds of older adults who are concerned about falling down.  I am sad that these older adults are stuck in their homes, afraid to go out, not allowed to congregate with their peers; thus at increased risk of falling. 

It takes a community to prevent falls.  Unfortunately when the community is no longer able to get together and communicate, the risk of falling increases.  I am saddened that I was not able to offer free workshops and balance assessments to older adults in my community.  I miss the opportunity to meet people who want the education and skills that I have to improve balance and live independently.  

No one knew this was going to happen; in fact, in preparation for fall prevention awareness 2020, I wrote a book, "ABCs to Balance; Aging, Brains and Coordination" to complement my introductory workshops and I fine-tuned my "Brains and Balance" mobility classes for people of all ages and abilities.  

In celebration of Fall Prevention Awareness week past, I would like to offer my new book at a 20% discount.  Click here to get order my book. 

RockTape and Balance

I just attended a two-day seminar on taping of the body.  Rock Tape is a "movement company that dabbles in tape" and the art of taping is no longer reserved for professional athletes, we can all benefit from taping.  In fact, I learned some great techniques for relieving pain and fluid buildup, correcting posture, working with scars and improving range of motion; all of which my clients can benefit.

RockTape has partnered with Dr. Eric Cobb, the creator of Z-Health Performance, and as a studying Z-Health Master Practitioner, I was interested in learning more about the taping.  The course instructor was a doctor of Physical Therapy, Dr. Aaron Crouch.   The neat thing?  Aaron had been a student volunteer of mine during a fall prevention screening event in 2012!  Small world, now he's teaching me about RockTape!  He is a partner at Kime Performance Physical Therapy Training.

As a Brain Practitioner or one who trains the three sensory inputs the brain for better movement, I can say that RockTape only deals with one sensory system; the proprioceptive system.  It's refreshing to see a major company (RockTape) recognize the power of sensory input to the brain; the skin, joint and muscle receptors in this case.

Taping a body part improves the brain's mapping of that particular body part.  When injured, nerve damage can occur and receptor input of that area decreases.  As a result, movement suffers.  Taping increases sensory input from that area and immediately improves movement.  As always, you have to assess and re-assess to see the result.

It was cool to learn about scars and posture from a physical therapist perspective.  I've learned how to work with scars, posture, fluid buildup and pain from the brain's perspective so I enjoyed practicing how to tape clients after acute injury or specific to movement patterns.

I urged Aaron to attend Z-Health certification.   He will truly be blown away by the power of vision and vestibular systems which are two higher ranking sensory inputs in the brain's heirarchy for correcting movement.  Until then, RockTape is a great way to help people move better through improved body mapping to the brain.

Rock on.

Gain control of your emotions with brain activation drills

We all have those occasional emotional meltdown moments; those times when we feel emotionally out of control.  This "limbic escape" is your brain's way of protection.  The emotional response will get you to stop whatever you're doing and cry, scream, yell, or whatever your emotional response might be.

The "old brain" is responsible for our emotions.  The way to gain control of your emotions is to inhibit old brain function.  That is the number one responsibility of the new brain; to inhibit the old brain.

Of the three training methods to help you gain control of your emotions, frontal lobe activation drills are my favorite.  If you want to learn specific drills to help gain control of your emotions and your body, contact me for private training sessions.

Facebook:  The Fall Prevention Lady
Website:  The Fall Prevention Lady
Email:  info@thefallpreventionlady.com

Your brain can change the way you feel and the way you respond.  Learn how to gain control of your mind and emotions through precise brain training drills.  I'd love to help you.

Your coach,
Kelly Ward
The Fall Prevention Lady

Brain science is real; change is possible

.

Here are some critical definitions I want you to know about your brain, body and balance:

Neuroscience is a form of neurology based on the science of nervous system focusing on brain function and body movement
Neuroplasticity is the scientifically proven fact that the brain can and will change for more efficient function.
Applied neuro-anatomy is the systematic assessment of precise neural inputs on brain function and observed motor output.
Applied neurophysiology considers the results of thorough input assessments and designs an individualized program that provides the highest payoff in movement and skill proficiency and pain control for an individuals.

Neuro-Performance are professional  athletic trainers invest time, money and energy into each level of applied neuroanatomy and applied neurophysiology education.  Professional development that includes four-day certification weekends, hours of pre- and post-weekend study and years of application to learn this highly specialized neural testing and training program.

A program based on emergent research.  Research findings that take ten years to reach the general public.  Get in on it now.  What are you waiting for?  What have you got to lose?

Chronic Pain. Poor eyesight. Dizzy.  Lethargic. Weak.  Slouched posture.  Neck pain.  Poor sleep.  No energy.  Aching pains.  Stiff joints.  Thats' what you've got to lose.

Work with me and learn to gain control of your body.  Feel in control of what's going on.  Connect to your body.  Through comprehensive assessment process, we practice drills that make your brain fire efficiently.  An efficient brain produces efficient movement.  Pain-free, optimized movement is how the brain was made to function.

Work with me to develop your neural highways.  Upgrade your neural software.  Rewire for efficiency.  90-minute consultation: $150.  Special for the rest of May, $125.
I will come to you and work with you in your environment.
Facebook consultations: The Fall Prevention Lady on Facebook

Posture begins in Lengthened Spine

Studying Z-Health functional applied neurology, I have learned more about balance and the brain than I had ever imagined.  The brain determines not only how we move through life but also how we see, balance and think.  This information is so good, I have to share tidbits that will help you move better, balance better and see better.

Today I am going to talk to you about posture. Posture is a reflex and posture is controlled up to seventy (70) percent by your vision!  Wow, think about those two statements for a minute.  Posture is reflexive. And posture is driven by your vision.

The Fall Prevention Lady's Lengthened Spine Demo

First, posture is a reflex.  For those people (and I used to train people this way) who throw your shoulders back, stretch chest muscles, strengthen neck flexors, hold your head level and even get massages to reduce tension in upper back, you know that the minute you walk out of the training session, your posture goes back to the way it was when you walked in.

That's because posture is reflexive.  In other words, your brain is focused on a level horizon and despite life circumstances (accidents, bumps and bruises) and occupational hazards (poor posture from a desk job), your brain is going to keep the horizon level for balance purposes.

As a result, your head will tilt, bend and turn to keep vision level.  The body will adapt physically to whatever is necessary to keep the horizon level.  If you slouch your shoulders and stick your neck out all day to keep the computer screen level, then your body will adapt to forward head, shoulders slouched and whatever is necessary to keep the horizon level.

The scientific phenomena known as the SAID principle states that your body gets good at whatever you do, however you do it.  If you look at the floor while practicing your drills, you will get really good at doing drills while looking at the floor.  Look up and your balance won't be good.  Cracks me up when I see people wasting money on 'balance manuals' that demonstrate people staring at the floor while doing the drills.

If you want to improve your posture, your balance and your vision, I suggest that you get into lengthened spine.  I start all of my classes discussing how people are carrying their head on their shoulders.  The average skull weighs between 8-12 pounds.  When perfectly aligned, your vertebrae are aligned and the spinal cord is lengthened.  When the head is jutted forward, the neck muscles have extra strain and weight of the skull.

Let me explain how to attain lengthened spine since how you carry your head directly impacts your vision, balance, posture and strength.

Lengthened spine: Sit or stand tall; both feet on the floor facing forward, top of the back of your head extended up toward ceiling, chin level and tucked back.  Here's the kicker, tilt your front teeth SLIGHTLY down toward collar bone.   NOT EXCESSIVELY but down where you see a level horizon.   Keep your chin tucked back and yes, you now have a double chin but you're in lengthened spine!!!!

Every time you so much as think about your posture, get into lengthened spine and keep your eyes on a vertical target in front of you at eye level.  Practice lengthened spine for every vision drill and try to maintain lengthened spine during balance challenges and all dynamic joint movement drills.

Posture begins with your eyes and is a reflex to life's imbalances.  In my classes, I teach vision drills, balance drills and movement drills designed to activate the parts of your brain that crave activation in order to move well, balance well and see well.

It all starts in lengthened spine; shoulders are down, chest is lifted, pretend you have a string on the back of your head lifting toward the ceiling, your chin is slightly down, and your eyes are focused on a vertical target at eye level....NOT AT THE FLOOR.

Do this exercise throughout the day. Anytime your even think about your posture, immediately get into lengthened spine.  Your spine and your posture will thank you.  So will your brain.

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

Fall Prevention 101™ by Kelly Ward, M.S., CTRS

Researched and created by certified FallProof™ Balance and Mobility Specialist and Stepping On Master Trainer Kelly Ward, M.S., CTRS.

Dynamic workshop about factors that increase the risk of falling and how older adults can reduce that risk.  Supplemental workbook required.


Copyright 2012.
 

Sac and Company and Fall Prevention

Here's the Sac&Co TV interview about the fall prevention pilot program I'm working on with Dignity Health and Eskaton.

It's an honor to present my dynamic Fall Prevention 101 workshop and teach six-week FallProof™ balance training classes to eligible participants as part of this three-prong approach to reducing fall risk.

Fall Prevention workshop at Robbie Waters Library

I have created a dynamic educational workshop that not only keeps participants engaged but also entertained!  I've updated my "Fall Prevention 101" workshop to include evidence-based balance exercises and research-based principles.  I recently presented to a full house at the Robbie Waters Library in the Pocket area of Sacramento, CA.

The main objective of my educational workshop is to empower older adults to take responsibility for their safety and make changes when possible.  There were over forty (40) people in attendance for my workshop at the library and nearly everyone in the audience was ready to begin balance training afterward!  See my schedule!

I love it and I'm proud to announce that I have been invited to teach three Balance Training 101 classes at the Robbie Waters library!  I've changed the content and usual programming of the FallProof™ program to offer the three following Saturday morning classes:

Robbie Waters Library
7335 Gloria Dr
Sacramento, CA  95831

1.  Saturday, September 19.  9:00-10:30am
2.  Saturday, September 26.  9:00-10:30am
3.  Saturday, October 3.  9:00-10:30am

Classes are free and open to the first 20 sign-ups.  You do not have to attend all three classes but it is recommended since I will be teaching ways to increase the challenge or make modifications to each exercise.

This is an amazing opportunity.  Thank you to Robbie Waters Library for sponsoring this life changing balance training program!  Call today to register:  (916) 264-2700.

Four couples in FallProof™ balance & mobility class

Well this is a first!  I not only have four men in my current balance training class but I also have four men AND their wives!  Couples who challenge their balance together remain healthy and able together!  In addition to the eight partners, I want to thank the remaining five class participants for choosing to improve their balance and prevent a fall.

Exercise is the number one way to prevent a fall however medication management and home safety are undeniable risk factors that require attention.  As such, it is important to systematically review potential fall hazards in your home and to review your medications in order to make sure you aren't taking two of the same type or one medication that cancels the effects of other.

Sound confusing?  It's responsibility.  You cannot be expected to make a change unless you know what needs to be changed.  I strongly encourage you to get educated about things that increase the risk of slipping, tripping or falling.  

Follow these easy steps to increased safety and peace of mind:
1.  Attend one of my Fall Prevention 101 workshops
2.  Click on this link, LINK, for a Home Safety Checklist
3. Visit your pharmacist and request a "BROWN BAG" day

Big kudos to the husband and wife teams who have decided to embark on this program.  It's time to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.  Do what you can and do not hesitate to ask for help; it's out there!

Best stretch for preventing falls w/The Fall Prevention Lady

Finally, the best stretch available to improve walking gait, relieve back pain and prevent falls!  This seated stretch is easy to do and when modified, can be done by anyone!

I'm extremely flexible so don't think you have to reach as far as me because any little bit will help you.  Be careful, keep back straight and always support your upper body weight.

This stretch is a winner!



Do this everyday and notice the benefits! Thanks for watching.

Kelly

The Fall Prevention Lady™

The Fall Prevention Lady has moved!

Like most warm-weathered souls, I've moved south for the winter!

As of Thanksgiving 2014, the Fall Prevention Lady will be located in Pensacola, Florida for educational fall prevention workshops, 4 or 6-week FallProof™ balance training classes, customized train-the-trainer seminars, private training sessions and wellness consultations.

I am looking forward to developing new relationships with fall prevention advocates, fitness instructors and senior care providers to promote fall risk reduction lifestyles and improve balance and strength necessary to remain independent.

After much success with my personal battle with Stage 4 Head and Neck cancer (diagnosed June 2013, two surgeries, chemo and radiation completed Feb 2014), I felt it was time for a change.  I am extremely blessed to have family in California who stood beside me and made my treatment as pleasant as possible however a lot of my biological family lives in Florida; including my 92-year old grandmother, several elderly aunts, a dear uncle and cousins.

After much reflection, it became evident that it's time to nurture some extended family relationships so when the opportunity to help a family member arose, I said YES so here I am in Pensacola, Florida!

I hope that my experience and training in evidence-based fall prevention programs can contribute to the vast selection of older adult injury prevention and health promotion programs available in the northwestern region of Florida.

I am 9-months in remission and my health is very well.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or inquiries.  (916) 821-5715.

Blessings.

Fall Prevention 101 in South Carolina

I was honored when the director of the Area Agency on Agency of Central Midlands Council of Government in South Carolina invited me to do a community outreach fall prevention awareness campaign.  This was especially dear to me because I lived in Spartanburg, SC county for over eight years before the sudden death of my father and relocating to California.

A lot has changed in the twelve years since I've been in SC but mostly, the changes are within me.  For instance, my profession and life direction.   I now have my Masters Degree in Science in Therapeutic Aging.   I am now a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), a FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist, a Stepping On Master Trainer, a Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance (TCMBB) instructor and fall prevention consultant.   My life has meaning.   My career has focus.

Columbia, South Carolina is the capital of this beautiful state and the starting point for this fall prevention outreach project.  The Area Agency on Aging, a federal government funded program, fully supports and recognizes the importance of education, exercise and early detection in order to reduce the incidence of falls among our aging population.

I am here for two weeks to present my two-hour Fall Prevention 101 workshop at eight different senior centers throughout four different counties.  We have been presenting n rural areas and the feedback has been wonderful! This opportunity has taught me that falls are a major concern among ALL older adults; regardless of where you live or how much money you make.   The bottom line is everyone needs to know as much as they can to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.

I am loving my time here in central midlands South Carolina and will enjoy this last week of fall prevention presentations in Lexington county. I'm not sure what I'm going to do after this remarkable experience but one thing that has become clear to me is hat California has more than enough "fall prevention advocates".  In fact, I think it may be time for The Fall Prevention Lady to move onto the next calling.

Never too late to improve functional fitness

I just finished a FallProof™ balance training class at Pioneer Towers in downtown Sacramento.  The small group of ladies were excited about improving their balance and they did just that!  Every single person improved on the three Senior Fitness Tests associated with fall risk.  And I mean they improved! 

As part of my classes, I offer pre- and post-assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the balance training classes I teach.   I know the program works but I am continually collecting data in case Dr. Rose wants it for her FallProof™ program.  Anyhow, I assess lower body strength, lower body flexibility and dynamic balance and agility or moving balance skills before and after attending the 8 sessions.

This class of 8 older women improved dramatically.  My most improved student was 94 year-old, Eve.  Yes, I said 94!  She increased her lower body strength score by 4, improved her lower body flexibility 3.5 inches and was 2.3 seconds faster and much steadier in her moving balance.  Remarkable!  I am so proud of her!

She can now touch her toes, her legs are stronger and she is more stable when getting up and moving quickly.  This collective data demonstrates that the program works when you work it.  Eve and another student worked the exercises into their daily routine by meeting everyday at 4pm. 

Another student who deserves huge kudos was 80 year-old Mary.  On the first day of class, she had to use her hands to get up out of the chair.  On the final day, she was able to do 9 perfect form chair stands WITHOUT using her hands!  Yeah Mary!  That makes a huge difference in the quality of her life.  She is no longer embarrassed about getting up out of the chair.  How did she do it?  She practiced her homeplay exercises.  She did the work.

Both Eve and Mary clearly show that it's not too late to improve your fitness.  And men, this is not just for women.  In my other class at Fremont Presbyterian, an 88-year old gentleman who is an active athlete, increased his lower body flexibility by 4 inches!  HE CAN NOW TOUCH HIS TOES!  Think about how great that is when getting dressed in the morning, not to mention how it improves your walking gait!  Awesome job!

Kisco Senior LIving offers comprehensive fall risk reduction training for Wellness Directors

Investing in your staff is one of the best ways to improve your resident's quality of life. 

A company that wants to offer residents one of the best fall risk reduction programs in the country will proudly have Wellness Directors attend The Fall Prevention Lady's comprehensive training that teaches research-based fall prevention principles and demonstrates evidence-based balance exercises proven to reduce the risk of falls when done consistently. 

Kisco Senior Living is that forward thinking senior living company who realizes the severity of falls among their residents and wants to invest in their staff so everyone is one the same page and working to reduce the incidence of falls.  As such, they developed the 'STAND STRONG" fall risk reduction program. 

Although STAND STRONG  involves all teams in Kisco, the Wellness Team plays a vital role in the physical well-being of each resident.  As such,  two Wellness Directors from each community went to The Fall Prevention Lady's Train-the-Trainer workshop to learn about aging, balance, falls and how to reduce the risk of falls.

EDUCATE.  The first step in a fall prevention program is leaning what causes a person to fall.  Wellness directors listened and shared opinions as the different types of fall risk factors were discussed.  The Fall Prevention Lady's "Muscles and Senses" approach to falls made it easy to understand some of the underlying causes of falls, especially if undetected.

DEMONSTRATE.  Once the wellness member gathered information about a resident, it's time to plan an intervention.  Since staying active is the number one way to prevent a fall, evidence-based balance and evidence-based strengthening exercises were demonstrated and practiced.   This was a skills-based workshop and every attendee was expected to demonstrate a minimal competency level as an instructor in order to pass.

FACILITATE.  Once the staff was trained how to assess a resident and implement a balance and strengthening exercise routine, she/he must keep the resident doing the program!  Adherence to a fall prevention program is critical if the goal of reduced falls incidence is to be met.  Different methods to motivate residents to stick with the program were discussed and adherence charts were given out. 

STAND STRONG is a new program and like all new programs, there will be some revisions and modifications along the way.  However, the fundamentals of this program will make Kisco Senior Living STAND OUT because Kisco now offers a service that no other communities offer. 

 In addition to offering most recent, evidence-based practices demonstrated to reduce falls, Kisco staff members are thoroughly trained in the identification of fall risks, comprehensive assessment of resident circumstances and the planning and implementation of a fall prevention exercise program that is individualized to meet resident needs and progressively challenging to help a resident meet her/his goals.   

Free fall prevention workshops for seniors in Sacramento

As part of the Sierra Health Foundation and the North Sacramento Grandparents Support group, I will be offering two FREE fall prevention workshops in April, 2014.  This educational workshop is designed for older adults who are raising their grandchildren however any older adult who is concerned about falling is more than welcome to attend. 

This dynamic two-hour workshop will not only educate about fall risk factors associated with growing older and loss of balance but also teach evidence-based fall prevention exercises proven to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.

Since the goal is to facilitate behavior change and adherence of easy-to-do exercises proven to prevent falls, each participant will receive materials to take home.  We are lucky to have received grant funding to make this possible. Thus, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Both workshops will be held at Lakeview Village in Citrus Heights.  This older adult mobile home community has a large, centrally located clubhouse where the workshop will be held.  There will also be a light luncheon afterward.   Both the workshop and lunch are FREE so mark your calendars.
And don't forget to save your spot.  REGISTER TODAY!!!

Educational Fall Prevention Worskhops:
1.  Tuesday, April 8.  10am-noon
     Lakeview Village (6211 Summerset Lane Citrus Heights)
2.  Tuesday, April 29.  10am-noon
     Lakeview Village (6211 Summerset Lane  Citrus Heights).

To register, call Lakeview Village :   916-729-0460

See you in April! 
The Fall Prevention Lady 
 

Sacramento fall prevention classes in the spring!

Spring forward, fall backward.  If it was up to me, there wouldn't be ANY falls (especially backward) but as the "Fall Lady", I hear jokes about the season of fall often.  Since we turned clocks forward today, I would like to announce my upcoming balance training classes in the Sacramento region. 

When I refer to my "classes", I am talking about the FallProof™ balance training sessions that progressively challenge the body's balance systems.  Classes meet for one-hour, twice a week, for four weeks; a total of eight classes.   Class size is limited to no fewer than 6 and no more than 14 participants.

I conduct pre- and post-assessment fitness data on each person so I allow two hours for the first class so everyone can complete paperwork and get tested.    There is a fee that is not covered by insurance yet so contact me if you are interested in this physical-therapy based balance training program.

As of now, I have two balance training sessions scheduled for April in the Sacramento region.

Balance training classes:
1.  Presentation of the Virgin Mary Church (4123 Robertson Ave, Sacramento, 95821)
     12:30p-1:30p, Monday and Friday
     March 31-April 28, 2014
     THIS TRAINING CLASS IS FULL

2.  Fremont Presbyterian Church (8770 Carlson Dr  Sacramento, 95819).  Across from Sac State.
      9:00-10:15 am, Monday & Friday
      April 7-May 2, 2014
      Call to register:   916-452-7132

I will keep you posted as new class locations are determined.
Hope to see you in class.

Spring forward!
The Fall Prevention Lady

Fall Prevention Lady's Train-the-Trainer workshop

I am proud to announce that I will be presenting four fall prevention Train-the-Trainer workshops as part of Kisco's Stand Strong Fall Prevention program.  As a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility specialist and Stepping On Master Trainer, I have designed an amazing workshop for the Wellness Directors of this national senior living company.

I will start with the southern California office on March 18 and travel to the Walnut Creek location for an all-day workshop on March 20th.  After a long weekend, I will travel to Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina for a workshop and then finish up in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

These workshops are not only educational but also skills-based.  Fall prevention research has shown that small group training is more effective that training the masses.  An intimate setting enables people to practice the skills they need under close supervision and ask any questions that may arise.  Balance training should be individualized and so should trainer trainings.

I am confident that having Wellness Directors who have completed the Fall Prevention Lady's Train-the-Trainer workshops as part of their Stand Strong kick-off, Kisco will offer a better quality of living for senior residents. 

"Sacramento Fall Prevention Network"

Due to lack of funding, the Northern California Fall Prevention Coalition dissolved last year.  The mission of a fall prevention coalition is to increase awareness of falls, fall risk factors and provide resources that can reduce that risk.  The ultimate goal is to keep older adults safe at home and free from injury associated with falls.

As a coalition member, I was active in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the first, second and third community-based fall prevention events in Sacramento.  Like all coalition members, I volunteered my time and efforts.  Personally, I think our events improved each year and I was disappointed to hear the Area 4 Agency on Aging and Kaiser of South Sacramento wouldn't be sponsoring this year's event.

No sponsors, no event.  No coalition, no planning.  Seniors are still falling.

Enter the "Sacramento Fall Prevention Network"! 

• The SFPN is a network of older adult service provider agencies sharing resources and information on senior fall prevention in the greater Sacramento area. We are service providers, not vendors.  We do not sell products but share resources.  

•  This is not a collaborative or coalition, just a way to connect people who are working on senior fall prevention in Sacramento. 

•  The purpose of this network is to increase awareness of existing resources, share ideas with other service providers, and connect providers working on similar projects.

Please contact me if you are interested in joining the Sacramento Fall Prevention Network.
info@thefallpreventionlady.com

Measuring progress while living with Parkinson's Disease

I'm "The Fall Prevention Lady" and I've been a certified personal fitness trainer for nearly ten years and a competitive athlete my entire life.  As a result, I know the importance of continuous program evaluation in order to progress and meet fitness goals.  Program evaluation is even more important when working with a person who has Parkinson's Disease. 

I have worked with all stages of this progressively degenerative neurological disorder and I have to say that this disease moves at an unpredictable pace, greatly due to effective medication management.  As a result, some people demonstrate more symptoms than others.  The classic symptoms are the Parkinson tremor characterized by rigid and stiff movements, imbalance due to shuffling stride,  soft voice, poor posture. 

Regardless of prognosis, some days are better than others.

This is the case for everyone when it comes to exercise but it is particularly true of those living with a progressively degenerative disorder.  This is why it is important to have as much baseline data as possible so when a person is having a bad day, you can look back on numbers and visualize the progress even though it doesn't feel like much has been made.

I was working with a dear client the other day when she became visually upset.  She wimpered, "I need to hear some encouraging words.  I don't feel like I'm improving.  I'm doing all these exercises and I still can't do this.  I still feel imbalanced, I'm not improving."  What is wrong with me?

I silently held her hand before gently reminding her that she is living with a progressively degenerative disorder.  She cried, "Well that doesn't make me feel any better".  I said, "Wait a minute, hold it.  Maybe it's time we changed our perspective"......

I asked her if she had gotten worse in the past four months.  She said no.
I asked her if she can get out of the chair easier than she used to.  She said yes.
I asked how many chair stands she was doing each day.  She smiled and said, "I try to do 10 chair stands each day".
I reminded her about our first visit and how she could barely get out of the chair once.

I said, "So you're not improving, huh"?  She paused in thought.  I suggested she change her perspective from what she CAN'T do to what she can do.  How you look at a situation can influence your mood, your confidence, your outlook.  I also reminded her that she wasn't getting any worse.  

"But I don't feel stable walking through the house and I have to use this stupid cane". 
I reminded her that she may not ever feel as confident as she used to while walking but she's making smarter decisions now.  I reminded her about her limits of stability and that once we practiced within those limits, she quit putting herself in unsafe situations.  The result?  No more falls resulting from reaching beyond her sense of stability.

When she changed her perspective and looked at the things she CAN do, she agreed that she was moving better and and felt stronger.   My dear client may not be improving how she had hoped (perhaps returning to pre-Parkinson's ability levels?) but I had to remind her that she wasn't getting any worse and that she is successfully maintaining her independence.  This is why it's important to revisit original fitness goals and modify as necessary.  Keep the goals realistic and attainable so a person feels competent and able. 

She smiled at me through her tears.  I am so proud of this dear woman.  She is so hard on herself that she doesn't celebrate her successes.  Well, that's my job.  I celebrate her.  I adore her.  She is a true survivor and a mentor not only for those living with Parkinson's but also for anyone who takes life for granted. 







Coincidentally, I will be speaking at the Parkinson's Association of Northern California's (PANC) support group this Friday, April 26, 2013 at the Carlton Plaza in Sacramento, CA.