I have been doing in-home private training with a 79 year-old woman for 10 sessions and today she was able to walk up the stairs into her home without assistance. YAY! I am so excited about this milestone for Sue (name changed) because by regaining the ability to independently and confidently go up the stairs was the first step to her taking control of her life again.
As a fall prevention consultant in the Sacramento area, I was hired by Sue's brother and sister in-law after Sue fell going up these same stairs. Twice. Active and healthy, Sue's relatives knew something could be done to reduce the risk of another fall and contacted me. A thorough assessment not only enabled me to immediately form a therapeutic relationship with Sue but also to identify her limitations and strengths.
Sue was so de-conditioned from being stuck in the cycle of fear and sitting in her chair that she had to relearn how to move. We started with a consistent routine of the Basic 5 stretches and slowly added lower body strengthening exercises. Because Sue was terrified of falling again, we had to get Sue to believe in herself and the self-perceived benefits of exercise. This doesn't happen overnight however repetition of activities and repeated successful attempts fostered Sue's self confidence levels.
It was amazing to witness this transformation. Even though each visit got progressively more difficult, Sue made it look easier! She's a trooper. She's a fighter. She's a believer. After a temporary setback due to a blister on her diabetic ankle, Sue set realistic goals, put her head down and invested in her independence. I brought my resistance bands and I introduced her to my stepup. We broke out the soup cans. We laughed. We shared Starbucks. After 10 one-hour sessions, Sue walked up her stairs without the assistance of her helper.
Once reluctant to confirm the next appointment, Sue called me tonight to setup our next visit and to purchase 5 more sessions. She called me to thank me for teaching her how to walk up her stairs again. It was so beautiful to hear her say, "now I know where each foot goes and which foot gets the emphasis". Praise the Lord!
Sue decided to Take 5 to Exercise each day. When asked if she felt stronger, she said, "as much as I hate it, yes I do!". She loves her new strength and the glow in her face is beautiful. Invest in yourself. Invest in your independence. Get active and Take 5 to Exercise each day.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
82 year old man regains balance and prevents a fall while on vacation
Due to the nature of the training I provide, classes are limited to 12 participants. These small group settings offer increased socialization, observational learning, and personalized instruction. Like most senior classes, most of my participants are women but the number of men attending my class is increasing. This could be due to more wives insisting their husbands do something to remain independent and stay safe.
There are two couples in my class at Elk Grove Methodist. I love seeing two people who have stayed together in spite of life's challenges and can still laugh at each other. One couple missed a class due to a mini-vacation to Turtle Bay. They came up to me after today's class to tell me how Mr. M, an 82 year-old man, had prevented a fall while on vacation due to the training strategy we had practiced last week.
Mrs. M explained that while they were walking, Mr. M didn't see the ledge drop down. Rather than fall forward like he would have done (and has done before), Mr. M practiced the EXACT movement I taught them in class and he was able to regain his balance and prevent a fall! He looked at me, nodded, and said that he would have scraped his hands, broken his wrist or fallen on his face if he didn't practice regaining his balance like we had practiced. He smiled and said he didn't think about it but he did it and it worked!
What did he do? He regained his balance due to postural strategies taught in class. My suggestion is to get enrolled in a community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility class taught by a certified, qualified specialist who is trained in evidence-based techniques. These training techniques will SAFELY push you out of your comfort zone and keep you on your feet. My fall prevention exercises will help keep you independent.
The Fall Prevention Lady
There are two couples in my class at Elk Grove Methodist. I love seeing two people who have stayed together in spite of life's challenges and can still laugh at each other. One couple missed a class due to a mini-vacation to Turtle Bay. They came up to me after today's class to tell me how Mr. M, an 82 year-old man, had prevented a fall while on vacation due to the training strategy we had practiced last week.
Mrs. M explained that while they were walking, Mr. M didn't see the ledge drop down. Rather than fall forward like he would have done (and has done before), Mr. M practiced the EXACT movement I taught them in class and he was able to regain his balance and prevent a fall! He looked at me, nodded, and said that he would have scraped his hands, broken his wrist or fallen on his face if he didn't practice regaining his balance like we had practiced. He smiled and said he didn't think about it but he did it and it worked!
What did he do? He regained his balance due to postural strategies taught in class. My suggestion is to get enrolled in a community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility class taught by a certified, qualified specialist who is trained in evidence-based techniques. These training techniques will SAFELY push you out of your comfort zone and keep you on your feet. My fall prevention exercises will help keep you independent.
The Fall Prevention Lady
The Fall Prevention Lady on Cable TV..
I was honored to be a part of the expert panel on Beatrice Bailey's cable show, "A-Z with Bea". In the falls among an aging population episode, Bea interviewed Dr. Huey Lin of UC Davis, Neil Hershberger of Burger Physical Therapy and me, Kelly Ward, the Fall Prevention Lady!
Dr. Lin discussed the epidemiology of falls, Neil talked about treatment after a fall and I talked about reducing the risk of accidental falls. Together, we point out that although falls are associated with aging, falls are not an inevitable part of the aging process; the risk can be reduced. With this expert panel, Bea offers viewer the medical, the treatment and the prevention perspectives of a fall.
For an older adult, a fall can instantly change her/his life. Everyone on the panel agreed that following a consistent exercise program is the number one way to reduce the risk of a fall. As a balance and mobility specialist, I recommend a thorough, individualized assessment to identify possible causes balance impairment. From this assessment, a qualified instructor or specialist can design a program specific to a person's needs.
However if you do not have access to a balance and mobility specialist, a great place to start is by engaging in a consistent stretching and strengthening program. Regardless of your limitations and/or abilities, you can begin with gentle stretches. Take 5 for Flexibility each day and you will find yourself feeling more energized as you release tension and stress.
Watch The Fall Prevention Lady on A-Z with Bea!
How: http://www.rcctv.org or
Sacramento cable TV channels Surewest 19 or Comcast 20
When: Monday, November 7 @9pm.
Thursday, November 3 and November 10 @7pm
Thank you and stay safe.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Dr. Lin discussed the epidemiology of falls, Neil talked about treatment after a fall and I talked about reducing the risk of accidental falls. Together, we point out that although falls are associated with aging, falls are not an inevitable part of the aging process; the risk can be reduced. With this expert panel, Bea offers viewer the medical, the treatment and the prevention perspectives of a fall.
For an older adult, a fall can instantly change her/his life. Everyone on the panel agreed that following a consistent exercise program is the number one way to reduce the risk of a fall. As a balance and mobility specialist, I recommend a thorough, individualized assessment to identify possible causes balance impairment. From this assessment, a qualified instructor or specialist can design a program specific to a person's needs.
However if you do not have access to a balance and mobility specialist, a great place to start is by engaging in a consistent stretching and strengthening program. Regardless of your limitations and/or abilities, you can begin with gentle stretches. Take 5 for Flexibility each day and you will find yourself feeling more energized as you release tension and stress.
Watch The Fall Prevention Lady on A-Z with Bea!
How: http://www.rcctv.org or
Sacramento cable TV channels Surewest 19 or Comcast 20
When: Monday, November 7 @9pm.
Thursday, November 3 and November 10 @7pm
Thank you and stay safe.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Where has the Fall Prevention Lady been?
Wow! I can't believe this month is almost over. I've been busy teaching balance and mobility classes, presenting fall prevention workshops, participating in senior health fairs and doing private, in-home fitness training. I absolutely love what I do and I am grateful that I am busy. Being an independent contractor, my job is much more than teaching the classes; I have to maintain individual files, market my services, write blogs, and follow-up with everyone!
As this year comes to an end, I am transitioning from offering 4-week balance and mobility training sessions to 6-week sessions. I have decided to do this due to feedback from class evaluations. Participants love this program and want to continue balance and mobility training. I encourage anyone to repeat the beginner level however the 6-week program will better prepare participants for the next level. Because FallProof™ is a 12-week program, I will offer beginner and advanced levels.
I have started to implement this format change and participants are excited. The 6-week session requires a greater commitment; both of time and money. However when a person considers the value of her/his independence, committing to a 6-week program is an investment. I have a group of older adults in South Sacramento who cannot wait until the next session begins and I am working with a group of adults in Folsom who already signed up for the advanced level! WOO-HOO. When they get it, they really GET it!
Although my ultimate goal to help as many seniors as there are stars in the sky, I have a minimum number of participants required to hold a class. Due to travel expenses and the value of what I am teaching, I have a 7 person minimum. Word of mouth is one of the best forms of advertisement with my population and I am reaching out to new locations in Sacramento. The challenge is some areas are more receptive to new training techniques than others. Thus, there have been some changes in class locations.
So far, for the month of November, I WILL BE teaching classes at Fremont Presbyterian (Sac State)Carmichael Presbyterian (Carmichael), St. John's Retirement Village (Woodland), Creekside Oaks Retirement Community (Folsom), and Parkside Community Church (South Sac). I will offer one more session at the Senior Connection (Fair Oaks) if enough participants express interest after my November 2nd workshop.
I WILL NOT be teaching classes at the Asian Community Center (Pocket area), the Swanston Community Center (near Sac State) or the Consumes Service District (Elk Grove).
Visit my website, The Fall Prevention Lady, to view my class schedule. There is a cost for training. Invest in your future. Your independence is worth it. See you in class.
The Fall Prevention Lady
As this year comes to an end, I am transitioning from offering 4-week balance and mobility training sessions to 6-week sessions. I have decided to do this due to feedback from class evaluations. Participants love this program and want to continue balance and mobility training. I encourage anyone to repeat the beginner level however the 6-week program will better prepare participants for the next level. Because FallProof™ is a 12-week program, I will offer beginner and advanced levels.
I have started to implement this format change and participants are excited. The 6-week session requires a greater commitment; both of time and money. However when a person considers the value of her/his independence, committing to a 6-week program is an investment. I have a group of older adults in South Sacramento who cannot wait until the next session begins and I am working with a group of adults in Folsom who already signed up for the advanced level! WOO-HOO. When they get it, they really GET it!
Although my ultimate goal to help as many seniors as there are stars in the sky, I have a minimum number of participants required to hold a class. Due to travel expenses and the value of what I am teaching, I have a 7 person minimum. Word of mouth is one of the best forms of advertisement with my population and I am reaching out to new locations in Sacramento. The challenge is some areas are more receptive to new training techniques than others. Thus, there have been some changes in class locations.
So far, for the month of November, I WILL BE teaching classes at Fremont Presbyterian (Sac State)Carmichael Presbyterian (Carmichael), St. John's Retirement Village (Woodland), Creekside Oaks Retirement Community (Folsom), and Parkside Community Church (South Sac). I will offer one more session at the Senior Connection (Fair Oaks) if enough participants express interest after my November 2nd workshop.
I WILL NOT be teaching classes at the Asian Community Center (Pocket area), the Swanston Community Center (near Sac State) or the Consumes Service District (Elk Grove).
Visit my website, The Fall Prevention Lady, to view my class schedule. There is a cost for training. Invest in your future. Your independence is worth it. See you in class.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Class member practices balance training principle to avoid a fall
I just finished my first FallProof™ balance and mobility training session at Eskaton's Senior Connection in Fair Oaks, CA. The class was small but this fostered an intimate setting for participants. The ages ranged from 73 to 90 years of age and abilities were just as varied. Regardless of physical capability, everyone in the class improved on the three dimensions of senior fitness associated with fall risk in the 4-week training period.
One 85 year-old lady increased her dynamic balance and agility score by 3 seconds! Translated into understandable terms, she was able to get out the chair and walk around a cone quicker, more balanced and with more confidence that she could 4-weeks ago. Balance and agility require specific training to improve.
Another skill needed to prevent falls in everyday life is the ability to react to unexpected pushes, like when someone or something bumps into you. Case in point; on the last day of class, the lady mentioned above came in, sat down and told me she probably wouldn't be doing much in class because she got bumped into unexpectedly and her hip was hurting. I asked what happened and she told me that she was at the store and a hurried man accidentally bumped into her (with hard force). She said that SHE DID NOT FALL but her hip was sore.
I asked her to think about what she just said. She had prevented a fall by applying the training skills we had covered the second week of class. She smiled and said, "yeah, I did prevent a fall, didn't I?". YAY!
Strength, flexibility, endurance and balance training. Four important components of a fall prevention program. Join me at home in strengthening and stretching exercises with my Take 5 to Exercise DVD series or if you're in Sacramento, join me in one of my community-based balance and mobility training programs. YOU CAN DO IT.
The Fall Prevention Lady
One 85 year-old lady increased her dynamic balance and agility score by 3 seconds! Translated into understandable terms, she was able to get out the chair and walk around a cone quicker, more balanced and with more confidence that she could 4-weeks ago. Balance and agility require specific training to improve.
Another skill needed to prevent falls in everyday life is the ability to react to unexpected pushes, like when someone or something bumps into you. Case in point; on the last day of class, the lady mentioned above came in, sat down and told me she probably wouldn't be doing much in class because she got bumped into unexpectedly and her hip was hurting. I asked what happened and she told me that she was at the store and a hurried man accidentally bumped into her (with hard force). She said that SHE DID NOT FALL but her hip was sore.
I asked her to think about what she just said. She had prevented a fall by applying the training skills we had covered the second week of class. She smiled and said, "yeah, I did prevent a fall, didn't I?". YAY!
Strength, flexibility, endurance and balance training. Four important components of a fall prevention program. Join me at home in strengthening and stretching exercises with my Take 5 to Exercise DVD series or if you're in Sacramento, join me in one of my community-based balance and mobility training programs. YOU CAN DO IT.
The Fall Prevention Lady
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)