Fall Prevention week is here!

It’s official:  September 21-September 25 is Fall Prevention week!  As the Fall Prevention lady, I am out and about in the community each day this week to increase awareness about the risk of accidental falls and what people can do to minimize that risk.  For instance, following a consistent physical activity program is one of the best things a person can to do remain strong and upright.

In addition to regularly engaging in fall prevention exercises, a person should practice her balance skills.  As balance and mobility specialist, I am out in the community conducting the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale in hopes of identifying adults who are moderate to high risk of falling BEFORE they fall.  I have been testing the ladies at the Belle Cooledge and South Natomas community centers and they are loving it!  These ladies already walk and regularly engage in both standing and seated exercise routines but now they are learning the importance of training the balance systems.

Thursday I will be testing older adults in Grass Valley at the Nevada county Falls Coalition Fall Prevention week celebration.  I am super excited about that because the falls coalition also receives grant money from the Archstone foundation, who supports Dr. Debra Rose’s Center for Successful Aging FallProof program.  I know they will love the FAB testing as it’s a real eye opener about the integrity of your balance systems.

Finally this week, I will be at the West Sacramento senior center to do some FAB testing.  They are an active center and very receptive to new, scientifically proven methods of reducing the risk of falls.  The Fullerton Advanced Balance scale was designed for community dwelling adults who are not even aware of the risk of a fall.   Some people think falls happen to “old people” and they don’t have to worry about ‘falling’ since they walk and do seated exercises each week.

WRONG!  Accidents can happen to anyone, including a fall.  Take 5 to Exercise each day and get your balance systems checked!  Look for a local certified balance and mobility instructor in your community and request a FAB screening.  I’m out and about!  Happy Fall Prevention Week.

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