Preventing Falls.......Its a MATTER OF BALANCE
Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls
The Matter of Balance program emphasizes practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels.
Participants learn to:
- view falls and fear of falling as controllable
- set realistic goals to increase activity
- change their environment to reduce fall risk factors
- exercise to increase strength and balance.
See sample exercises.
A Matter of Balance includes eight two-hour sessions for a small group led by a trained facilitator.
| Matter of Balance Classes and Trainings |
More information about falls.....
Falls are a major health problem for many older adults, and younger persons dealing with chronic illness. Statistics show that injury and poisoning were the second highest cause of hospitalization for those 65 and over in Michigan in 2005.
- Once a person falls, they are much more likely to reduce the amount of activity they do on a daily basis, due to fear of falling again.
- This leads to decreased body system functioning and and increase in susceptibility of disease and/or infection.
- Many people think that falls are a normal part of aging, and cannot be prevented. The reality is, there are many things that can be done to prevent falling.
- There are a number of common risk factors that can be managed through lifestyle and behavior change.
Commit to staying independent by taking an active role in making changes that can help prevent falls, and may reduce your risk for other health concerns. One way to do this is to participate in the "Matter of Balance"program that is being offered at a variety of community settings.
If your area does not have "Matter of Balance" classes, and you would like to have one started, please email us and include where you would like to see the class held, and if there is an agency or group that might be willing to host the program.
