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

Fall Prevention Lady joins forces with "San Mateo County Fall Prevention Task Force"

For the most part, I have been working as an independent contractor since my graduate studies at California State University, Sacramento began in 2002 where I focused on gerontology, therapeutic recreation and recreation therapy; specifically fall prevention and balance training for older adults.  

As the Fall Prevention Lady, I have worked for public, private and non-profit agencies in both Sacramento and Los Angeles regions and continue to expand my horizons.   I am now a "Master Trainer" and "Master Leader" in the evidence-based Stepping On fall prevention program, a published author of the "Complete Guide to Fall Prevention" and producer of the seated stretching and strengthening fall prevention DVD series, "Take 5 to Exercise". 

As much as I've enjoyed working independently, I am proud to announce my new position with the "San Mateo County Fall Prevention Task Force".  My duties as the health educator and fall prevention program coordinator include community outreach, program development, fall prevention education, grant writing and other necessary odds and ends associated with community-based programs designed to increase awareness of falls and how to reduce that risk in order to remain independent.    

The Task Force is not a service provider but functions to decrease falls among community dwelling older adults through advocacy, resource development and education.   This position will enable me to apply the skills I learned throughout my graduate studies while improving the quality of life for older adults.

Looking forward to doing big things within the San Mateo (and Sacramento) communitites.  Afterall, it takes a village to raise to child but it takes a community to prevent a fall.  

Yay team!