It's out there; the funding is available for community-based fall risk reduction exercise and education programs! Governments, corporations, and non-profit agencies are realizing the need for prevention and putting the money out there...you just have to find it.
The directors at the City of Sacramento 50+ Wellness program put their grant writing skills to use, applied for and were awarded over $87,000 in fall prevention programs over the next three years. And guess what? Yours truly is the presenter! Yes, people enjoyed my 3-hour educational workshops so much that I will be presenting them again as part of the second Kaiser funded grant and as part of the Area 4 Agency on Aging's three year grant.
A new feature of my presentation that will be offered by both grant programs is the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale screening. I will implement this 10-item fall risk screening in order to increase the awareness of the body systems involved in balance. As a CERTIFIED FallProof™ instructor, I am able to implement this standardized test according to protocol and then provide the participants with some feedback according to my observations.
Although one test is not totally indicative of one's fall risk, it is an eye opener! There are many causes for falls but the FAB provides CUTTING EDGE research-based information based on individual performance. Heck, we all age at different levels, we all move differently, we all experience different limitations.....we ALL need individualized assessments. I love listening to each and every person I assess because each person brings something unique to the table...that's what makes this so important; you want to do exercises that will reduce your risk of falling according to your needs.
If you live in the Sacramento region, I strongly encourage you to attend one of my FAB clinics. I will post the summer and fall schedule as soon as I get it but there will be something offered each month for the rest of 2010 and well into 2011. In the meantime, Take 5 to Exercise everyday to remain flexible and strong. Get up and out of your chair 5 times at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Practice good posture. Maintain those shoulders. Order my 5-day DVD series and you will do some type of movement each day to reduce your risk of a fall.
Consistency is key.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
FAB clinic at Shiloh Baptist Church in South Sacramento
I was referred to Debra Johnson through Jackie, program assistant @ 50+ Wellness program to do some fall prevention screening in order to increase awareness of the importance of prevention. Debra agreed to let me conduct the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale testing on her class. On two separate days, I assessed 18 of Debra's class of older African American God-loving participants!!!
For the most part, these ladies and two gentlemen did great on the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale and overall, are not at an increased risk of falling. However, four of the 18 community dwelling older adults FAB score indicated those individuals to be at an increased fall risk.
In a 15-minute FAB score group summary, I stressed the importance of consistent lower body strengthen exercises, daily range of motion and flexibility movements, and balance training; particularly center of gravity training.
Poor dynamic center of gravity control was a recurring theme from this group's test score interpretations and this is not uncommon. Most older adults are not aware of "core" training and have no idea what their center of gravity is or where it is located! This type of multi-sensory training is a vital component of the FallProof™ balance and mobility training program.
It was not the intention for me to educate or demonstrate any type of fall prevention exercises so I didn't have the opportunity to educate this wonderful group of people about this fall related concept. Perhaps class instructor Debra Johnson will ask me back to work with her ( I do offer a train the trainer program) or to lead one or two classes.
If not, I thoroughly enjoyed working with my sisters and brothers from Shiloh Bapist Church and look forward to FAB testing older adults throughout the Sacramento region and teaching fall prevention exercises.... increasing awareness about how important it is to Take 5 to Exercise every day to reduce the risk of a fall.
Praise the Lord,
The Fall Prevention Lady
For the most part, these ladies and two gentlemen did great on the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale and overall, are not at an increased risk of falling. However, four of the 18 community dwelling older adults FAB score indicated those individuals to be at an increased fall risk.
In a 15-minute FAB score group summary, I stressed the importance of consistent lower body strengthen exercises, daily range of motion and flexibility movements, and balance training; particularly center of gravity training.
Poor dynamic center of gravity control was a recurring theme from this group's test score interpretations and this is not uncommon. Most older adults are not aware of "core" training and have no idea what their center of gravity is or where it is located! This type of multi-sensory training is a vital component of the FallProof™ balance and mobility training program.
It was not the intention for me to educate or demonstrate any type of fall prevention exercises so I didn't have the opportunity to educate this wonderful group of people about this fall related concept. Perhaps class instructor Debra Johnson will ask me back to work with her ( I do offer a train the trainer program) or to lead one or two classes.
If not, I thoroughly enjoyed working with my sisters and brothers from Shiloh Bapist Church and look forward to FAB testing older adults throughout the Sacramento region and teaching fall prevention exercises.... increasing awareness about how important it is to Take 5 to Exercise every day to reduce the risk of a fall.
Praise the Lord,
The Fall Prevention Lady
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Barriers to fall prevention exercise
In my research readings, I have discovered an interesting fact: the main motivation to engage in an exercise program is also the number one barrier to participation. The motivating factor and the common barrier to exercise is Health.
Yes, according to Newsom and Kemps (2007) {"Factors that promote and prevent exercise engagement in older adults". Journal of Aging and Health, 19;3; 470-481} concern about one's health and quality of life is why people start an exercise program. Unfortunately, a physical ailment or change in health status is also the number one barrier to adherence to an exercise program.
The study demonstrated that older adults who live an active lifestyle and those who have some knowledge about fitness were more likely to start and stick with a program. Researchers hypothesized that these people placed a greater value on the benefits of exercise and therefore made "voluntary movement" a priority in their life.
Lack of availability of resources and knowledge was found to be a common barrier to adherence to an exercise program.
The message I want to convey is don't wait until a health scare to start an exercise program. Take responsibility for your well-being, both present and in the future. In my Take 5 to Exercise fall prevention DVD series, you don't need fancy equipment or a gym membership because the exercise routines are done while seated.
Listen to your body as you begin this lifestyle change. Research studies demonstrate that participating in a consistent activity program will improve the quality of your life. There are stacks of research studies that demonstrate the relationship between consistent exercise and a reduced risk of falling.
Take 5 to Exercise each day and your flexibility will improve, your strength will increase, your posture will improve and your risk of falling will decrease as you follow along with my DVDs. Identify what motivates you, be aware of what holds you back and make a personal commitment to do what you can to remain independent and safe. It's your life.
Take 5 to Exercise.
Yes, according to Newsom and Kemps (2007) {"Factors that promote and prevent exercise engagement in older adults". Journal of Aging and Health, 19;3; 470-481} concern about one's health and quality of life is why people start an exercise program. Unfortunately, a physical ailment or change in health status is also the number one barrier to adherence to an exercise program.
The study demonstrated that older adults who live an active lifestyle and those who have some knowledge about fitness were more likely to start and stick with a program. Researchers hypothesized that these people placed a greater value on the benefits of exercise and therefore made "voluntary movement" a priority in their life.
Lack of availability of resources and knowledge was found to be a common barrier to adherence to an exercise program.
The message I want to convey is don't wait until a health scare to start an exercise program. Take responsibility for your well-being, both present and in the future. In my Take 5 to Exercise fall prevention DVD series, you don't need fancy equipment or a gym membership because the exercise routines are done while seated.
Listen to your body as you begin this lifestyle change. Research studies demonstrate that participating in a consistent activity program will improve the quality of your life. There are stacks of research studies that demonstrate the relationship between consistent exercise and a reduced risk of falling.
Take 5 to Exercise each day and your flexibility will improve, your strength will increase, your posture will improve and your risk of falling will decrease as you follow along with my DVDs. Identify what motivates you, be aware of what holds you back and make a personal commitment to do what you can to remain independent and safe. It's your life.
Take 5 to Exercise.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Regency Place...Stand Up to Falls
I presented my 3-hour fall risk reduction exercise workshop at the Regency Place in Sacramento, California yesterday. Surprisingly, most of the crowd were not residents of the beautiful facility but local residents. As part of grant funded by Kaiser Permanente, the City of Sacramento's 50+ Wellness program hired me to educate about and demonstrate fall prevention techniques at six locations. Each group is limited to twenty-five people and the groups have been wonderful!
One in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year and the results can be tragic. The costs, both emotional and financial, can be devastating. As a result, falls are quickly becoming a public health concern. This is evident to me when I walk into a crowded room where every person in the room has fallen or is concerned about falling. I am so proud of these individuals for taking responsibility for their well being by learning what they can do to reduce the risk of such an accident.
Yesterday's group worked hard and several people told me how much better the exercises made them feel. These adults get it. They came out in the wind and rain to learn about fall risk reduction techniques. I love it!
Next workshop:
February 20, George Simm Community Center 12:30-4:30
The Fall Prevention Lady.
One in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year and the results can be tragic. The costs, both emotional and financial, can be devastating. As a result, falls are quickly becoming a public health concern. This is evident to me when I walk into a crowded room where every person in the room has fallen or is concerned about falling. I am so proud of these individuals for taking responsibility for their well being by learning what they can do to reduce the risk of such an accident.
Yesterday's group worked hard and several people told me how much better the exercises made them feel. These adults get it. They came out in the wind and rain to learn about fall risk reduction techniques. I love it!
Next workshop:
February 20, George Simm Community Center 12:30-4:30
The Fall Prevention Lady.
Monday, January 11, 2010
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
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
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