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

Fall Prevention Clinic of America?

Talk about specialized niche: I am a fall prevention exercise instructor. I'm not sure how I chose this path but I have been studying the importance of preventative screening and early detection since my undergraduate studies at West Chester University. On the west coast, I am studying exercises that are designed to reduce the risk of a fall. I think I'm a little ahead of my time with my specialty so you can imagine my surprise when I read about the Fall Prevention Clinic of America! Yes, in the Heartland (Illinois), there are clinics that specialize in the early detection of vestibular and balance disorders!

Dr. Debra Rose's FallProof program, one of the top 7 fall prevention programs in the country, stresses the early detection and thorough assessment of older adults who have fallen or are concerned about falling. In fact, the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale is a 10-item test designed to identify system weakness and impairment. I have been implementing the FAB within the Sacramento region and although I'm not a doctor, I am trained to recognize a systemic impairment. While testing, I have identified at least a dozen older adults who may have vestibular disorder and have referred them appropriately.

In this month's Aging Well newsletter, Flagging Falls By Jennifer Mellace Aging Well Vol. 2 No. 5 P. 10, talks about the body systems involved in balance, including the vestibular system, and the importance of preventative screening and early detection. There are 4-5 fitness tests that a properly trained professional can conduct in order to identify impairment. Things deteriorate as we age and the "use it or lose it" theory applies to just about every body system, especially our balance skills.

The good news is that consistent activity can deter further degeneration and even improve symptoms and conditions. Falls are accidents and although they are associated with growing older, they are not a normal part of the aging process: the risk can be reduced. The number one way to reduce your risk of a fall is to stay active. Remember to Take 5 to Exercise each day!

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.

Leisure-time activity and fall prevention

Studying to become a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, I am learning about leisure and the importance of a satisfying leisure lifestyle. What one person values as leisure is entirely different from the next person. Leisure activities are highly individualistic and what reflect the values of an individual. I value my health so my leisure-time activities involve exercise. However, I also enjoy traveling. Due to my college-student income (or lack thereof), finances have a direct impact on the leisure activities I can enjoy.
For most, the leisure lifestyle is synonymous with the lifestyles of the rich and famous. That is the ideal; houses, boats, jets, beaches, relaxing, doing nothing. However, leisure is more than that. It can be half an hour of free time spent listening to the birds. Leisure can be playing cards with your friends or drinking a beer while watching the football game. People have different values thus people have different leisure lifestyles.
During the industrial revolution, our society valued work and the puritan work ethic. Times have changed and thanks to technology, a person doesn't have to work as hard or as long to pay the bills in order to exist. As the baby boomers retire and are forced with excessive amounts of 'free-time', people need to reconsider their leisure philosophy. The time is earned, you deserve it, what are you going to do with it? Enjoy it and feel good about your leisure. Think about what you value.
If you value your independence and your health, it would behoove you to incorporate consistent activity into your daily routine. Leisure-time activities such as following along with your favorite fall risk reduction exercise instructor (ME!), walking with friends, challenging your balance, strengthening your muscles and making the time to Take 5 to Exercise will help keep you independent and living the life you want. Freedom of choice is an essential component of leisure; a person cannot be forced to something leisurely and enjoy it.
Take the time to connect with your body and mind as you follow along with my exercise videos for seniors. Learn as you grow. It's never too late.
At your leisure,
The Fall Prevention Lady