A Matter of Balance Workshop
- Category: Parrish Medical Center, Senior Health
- Posted On:
- Written By: Parrish Healthcare
Parrish Medical Center is bringing a new health-education program to the
community. “A Matter of Balance” is an evidence-based program
designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels
of older adults who have this concern. A Matter of Balance is based on
research conducted by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function
at Boston University.
One in three adults aged 65 and older fall each year. Even if they are not injured, many who fall develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility, muscle strength and balance. This in turn increases their real risk of falling. It can also compromise social interaction and increase the risk for isolation, depression, and anxiety.
A large number of falls are preventable. A Matter of Balance acknowledges the risk of falling and emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce fears. Participants learn to view falls and the fear of falling as controllable and set realistic goals for increasing activity. They also learn ways to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Participants who complete the workshop have increased exercise, social activity, and confidence that they can manage their fall risk.
Through a grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs this program is currently offered at no cost. Parrish Medical Center has two workshops scheduled to begin in April. The first workshop begins Monday, April 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and will continue each Monday through May 23 at Parrish Medical Center’s Health & Fitness Center, 2210 Cheney Highway, Titusville. The second workshop begins Thursday, April 7 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and will continue each Thursday through May 26 at The Children’s Center, 5650 South US 1, Titusville. As funds are available, Parrish Medical Center will continue to offer Matter of Balance workshops throughout the community at churches, senior centers, assisted living facilities and community centers.
“We have chosen to bring this evidence-based program to our community because we have a higher population of seniors across Brevard County and in Florida,” says Lori Duester, manager of Parrish Health Village program development. “We want to empower people to be active managers of their health and learn strategies to reduce their risk of falling,”
For more information or to register for A Matter of Balance workshop, contact Jenny Evans at 321-268-6596 or email Jenny.Evans@parrishmed.com.
One in three adults aged 65 and older fall each year. Even if they are not injured, many who fall develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility, muscle strength and balance. This in turn increases their real risk of falling. It can also compromise social interaction and increase the risk for isolation, depression, and anxiety.
A large number of falls are preventable. A Matter of Balance acknowledges the risk of falling and emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce fears. Participants learn to view falls and the fear of falling as controllable and set realistic goals for increasing activity. They also learn ways to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Participants who complete the workshop have increased exercise, social activity, and confidence that they can manage their fall risk.
Through a grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs this program is currently offered at no cost. Parrish Medical Center has two workshops scheduled to begin in April. The first workshop begins Monday, April 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and will continue each Monday through May 23 at Parrish Medical Center’s Health & Fitness Center, 2210 Cheney Highway, Titusville. The second workshop begins Thursday, April 7 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and will continue each Thursday through May 26 at The Children’s Center, 5650 South US 1, Titusville. As funds are available, Parrish Medical Center will continue to offer Matter of Balance workshops throughout the community at churches, senior centers, assisted living facilities and community centers.
“We have chosen to bring this evidence-based program to our community because we have a higher population of seniors across Brevard County and in Florida,” says Lori Duester, manager of Parrish Health Village program development. “We want to empower people to be active managers of their health and learn strategies to reduce their risk of falling,”
For more information or to register for A Matter of Balance workshop, contact Jenny Evans at 321-268-6596 or email Jenny.Evans@parrishmed.com.
