Person living with disability praises benefits of fall prevention exercise

At 65 years of age, she is the youngest person in this class. Although she is the baby of the group, she is living with disabilities that challenge her balance more than her older classmates' conditions. After 3 weeks of balance and mobility training, everyone in the group is showing marked improvement however today this lady (I'll call her Wendy) stayed after class to talk with me about her balance.

Living with essential tremor and dystonia, this remarkable woman is completely aware of her balance problems and the need to engage in a consistent fall prevention program in order to stop falling. Wendy has been front row for every session, soaking up the information and practicing each exercise with intense concentration and focused determination. She said the class was challenging but it was exactly what she needed to help understand her condition and how it affects her balance.

Wendy was all smiles today as she told me how her neighbors have commented on her improved posture during her daily walks. She said that this class has taught her how her posture is directly related to her balance and the things she must do in order to prevent another fall. In my Take 5 for Posture seated fall prevention exercise DVD series, I demonstrate some of the exact exercises that have benefited Wendy so much. I know it's not the same as having me there in person to correct you but I do a pretty good job on the DVD and you will do fine following along.

One of the most important things Wendy is doing to reduce the risk of another fall is to continue her balance and mobility training program. I will be teaching both a beginner and an intermediate level class at her church however she is deciding to repeat the beginner level. I think this is great because even I learn something new each session. She is determined to improve her balance skills and by making the time to Take 5 to Exercise each day, she will! Praise the Lord.

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

The Cost of Prevention....

   Retirement is a time of life that people embrace.  It is supposed to be the culmination of a lifetime of hardwork and sacrifice.    Unfortunately, in today's economy, retirement is plagued by fears of fixed income, increasing medical insurance, sinking IRAs and disappearing pension plans.  

My Take 5 to Exercise series is a sound investment in your health and long-term well-being.  A perfect gift for an older relative, an aging spouse, or a lonely neighbor, my 5-day series was developed to educate then demonstrate effective activities that reduce the risk of an accidental fall.

Fortunately, prevention is not only the best medicine but also your most cost effective investment in the long run.  My father always told me to look at the big picture and prevention is exactly that:  looking at the big picture of your health.  Regardless what age you begin, you can improve the quality of your life tomorrow by making healthier lifestyle choices today.  

Consistently engaging in a professionally designed and developed fall risk reduction exercise program is  the ticket to the quality of life your have worked so hard for and now deserve.

You will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe because the routines are done while seated.  A new approach to seated exercise videos,  my Take 5 to Exercise series offers the viewer individualized sessions with their own personal fitness trainer:  ME, Kelly Jo Ward.

Give it a try.  Show a loved one how much you care.  Get them their own personal trainer... California based, former South Carolina resident, and Pennsylvania raised, Kelly Jo Ward!