Fall Prevention community outreach

I am excited about today's fall prevention workshop at the Hart Senior Center in mid-town Sacramento, CA because it offers me an excellent opportunity to educate older adults about fall risk factors and show them ways to reduce personal risk of falling through physical activity. Today's workshop is the first of the Area 4 Agency on Aging-funded grant program; same workshop as the Kaiser program, different funder who supports educating the community about fall prevention.

Last week I hosted the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale clinic at the same location and it's no surprise that several of the people I assessed will be in attendance today. I am so excited that these people get it...they want to reduce the risk of falling by learning how to safely challenge their balance and mobility. Congratulations Sacramento seniors for taking responsibility for your safety and independence!

The good news is that Sacramento residents still have a chance to get assessed and be part of this fall prevention exercise research study! The last 2 FAB clinics will be held at the following locations. Give this a try! There is no obligation to be in the study and I guarantee this assessment will be a real eye opener about your balance skills.

Tuesday, August 3: Oak Park Community Center: 11:30-3:30 pm
3425 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Sac 95817
Tuesday, August 10: Natomas Community Center: 1:30-5 pm
2921 Truxel Road Sac 95833

Reaching out to my community,
The Fall Prevention Lady

New fall prevention risk assessment testing site!

I just confirmed another testing site for my fall prevention exercise research study; Parkside Community Church in the Pocket area!
On Thursday, July 29 from 11am-3pm, I will be conducting the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB)scale to assess fall risk among participants. In this 10-item screening test, I will assess the body systems involved in balance and mobility. As a certified FallProof™ instructor, I am qualified to implement this research-based fall risk screening test.
Participants receive one-on-one instruction during the test to ensure personal safety. An individualized score card is sent to participants providing feedback on performance and overall fall risk. These test items were developed by Dr.Debra Rose, co-director of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and director of the Center of Successful Aging and can be a real eye opener to those who do not consider themselves at risk for falling.

Although it is my hope to identify candidates for my Fall Prevention Exercise research study, I will assess anyone who is interested in doing this test. I invite you to come out and get assessed!

THURSDAY JULY 29, 2010
11AM-3PM
PARKSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH
5700 South Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822-3309

Fall Prevention exercise research study seeking participants in Sacramento, CA

Have you fallen? Are you afraid of falling?
Do you want to reduce the risk of falling?

IF so, this FALL PREVENTION RESEARCH STUDY may be just for you!

Why: The purpose of this California State University, Sacramento approved research study is to investigate the relationship between participating in the FallProof™at Home DVD program and fall risk reduction.

WHAT:

• Fall Prevevention exercise DVD program
• 12-week study
• Strictly voluntary participation: no financial compensation

HOW:

• Follow along with DVD program in your home
• Complete weekly adherence calendar
  
• Researcher provides next level of DVD program every 4 weeks
• Randomized assignment to study group (follows DVD program) or control group (no intervention, no new exercise program)
  
• Control group offered the FallProof™ at Home DVD program upon completion of study

WHERE:

• IN your home
• Pre- and Post-test assessments at local community or senior center

In order to participate, you must meet strict eligibility requirements:

WHO:

• over the age of 65
• Live independently in house or apartment
• Do not require an assistive device for mobility (can walk 200 feet independently)
• Must have fallen at least once in prior year or have 1+ fall risk factors
• Do not have cognitive impairment
• Do not have heart disease, respiratory, or circulation disease that impairs ability to function independently
• Do no have a progressive neurological condition (Parkinson's Disease, MS)
• Must have DVD player o access to one 3 times a week

WHEN:

• Oak Park Community Center: Aug 3, 10:30-3:30. 3425 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd 95817
  
• Cordova Senior Activities Center: August 7, 10-2. 3480 Routier Road 95827
  
• South Natomas Community Center: August 10, 1-5. 2921 Truxel Road 95833
  
• Eskaton: August 18, 1-5. 5959 65th Street 95823
  

If you meet study requirements & want to be part of this fall prevention research study,

RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT. PLEASE CONTACT:

Kelly Ward (916) 821-5715 livinfit@gmail.com

Kelly Ward is a graduate student of the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration department at California State University, Sacramento. This research study design has been approved by CSUS human subjects committee.

FallProof™ is a nationally recognized balance and mobility program designed by Dr. Debra Rose of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence. This is a pilot study of the FallProof at Home DVD series.