Train-the-Trainer in Pinellas

Whew! I have been traveling to locations in Pinellas County two days a week to teach techniques to staff and volunteers that will help seniors stay on their feet. They are learning to lead Movements for Balance & Strength exercise classes and Do You Know Where Your Feet Are? education workshops. It is an exciting experience to give people actual skills that can reduce the risk of falling. Most prevention efforts are mostly talk. While talk can raise awareness and motivate folks to act, by itself it does not reduce the fall risk. Participants have been warm, welcoming and appreciative for the information. So far I have trained people in Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and Largo. This week I am going to south St. Pete and back to Largo. The Fall Prevention Coalition in Pinellas County received a grant from the state Emergency Medical Services to provide this training that extends through February.

In Style

2008 has found me grappling with end-of-life issues with four relatives and in-laws. Although we all knew this time would come, it is still hard to face. In addition, I have found myself in the midst of lots of organizing and re-organizing in the last few months---hence, my blog has suffered from lack of attention.

An announcement of Balance Basics as "new in town" appeared in Style Magazine, published with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, today. Check out top of p.20 in "Contents": http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/sarasotaht/ss/style/

About a month ago, I was thrilled to hear that the Pinellas Fall Prevention Coalition received a state grant for a one-year countywide falls prevention initiative. The grant is centered around Train-the-Trainer sessions I will provide to exercise and education leaders throughout Pinellas County. The Coalition is hard at work announcing the grant and identifying prospective leaders. Train-the-Trainer starts in September. It is such a challenge and privilege to be working with this project that has the potential of reaching tens of thousands of seniors.

Late last week, I was in touch with the American Senior Fitness Association whom I am certified as a personal trainer. They reviewed my Movements for Balance & Strength videos and, knowing the scarcity of senior balance videos, were pleased to see the high quality of the videos (thank you to Damen at evolvmedia). They are opening a retail web sales outlet and will be selling the Movements for Balance & Strength series at http://www.maturefitness.com/

Until next time.....

First week of Balance Basics

I thought writing a blog would be the easiest part of my website.....I am finding that not to be the case, but I will continue to try and keep you informed. I am hard at work trying to get the word out that I am available to help seniors who are in need of balance tips. I am currently focusing my attention in two areas: working with web stores who have expressed an interest in carrying my Movements for Balance and Strength DVDs, and attending local meetings of groups whose concerns about seniors and falls prevention are similar to those of Balance Basics. Until next time...I wish you the best of luck keeping on your feet.

Welcome to Balance Basics

Welcome to Balance Basics! It has taken immense effort to bring this new business to you. I have had support and suggestions from both professionals and personal friends and would not be able to offer balance products and services without their help…..thanks.

It is my intention to use this blog to keep you up-to-date on what is happening through Balance Basics and to offer helpful tips that will help keep you on your feet. The first outing for Balance Basics will be on Sunday, March 9, at the First Congregational UCC Health Fair, 1031 Euclid Ave, Sarasota, from 10am-1pm. I will have brochures and will be selling Movements for Balance & Strength DVDs/VHS Videotapes. You are certainly welcome.

Improve Balance: Prevent Falls

Balance declines with age. Many factors contribute toward making the older adult susceptible to falls. These include:

* Impaired hearing and vision
* General loss of muscular strength and tone
* Arthritis
* Osteoporosis
* Vertigo
* Cerebrovascular insufficiency
* Neurologic disability (stroke)
* Postural hypotension (sudden decrease in blood pressure)
* Illness

Accidents are the sixth leading cause of death in persons over age 75, with falls being the leading factor. Changes in spinal alignment can make it difficult to maintain balance. Safe posture exercises and pectoral stretches to assist in the alignment of the spine may be beneficial.

It may be useful to perform specific exercises designed to improve balance, such as the sustained one-legged stand. Hold onto a secure object during balance training, such as a sturdy chair......
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Strength & Balance Exercises

Balance exercises can help you stay independent by helping you avoid a disability that may result from falling. Each year, U.S. hospitals have 300,000 admissions for broken hips. Frequently, falling is the cause for these fractures. By doing strength and balance exercises regularly you can reduce your risk of suffering from a debilitating fall.

The strength and balance exercises have some overlap since very often, one exercise serves both purposes. The lower-body strength exercises which include; plantar flexion, hip flexion, hip extension, knee flexion, and side leg raise are also balance exercises.

Regularly scheduled strength exercises will improve your balance at the same time. They can improve your balance even more if you add the following modifications: Note that these exercises instruct you to hold onto a table or chair for balance. .....CLICK HERE TO READ MORE