(Chelsea Update would like to thank Joyce Williams for the information in this story.)
September is Falls Prevention Month.
The National Institutes of Health say that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in people 65 and older.
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is hosting A Matter of Balance workshop to help older adults reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of those who have concerns about falls. The eight-week workshop will meet weekly on Wednesdays starting Oct. 2 through Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 1-3 p.m., at the Chelsea Wellness Center, 14800 E. Old US-12.
There is no cost to participants for this workshop but donations are welcome.
To register or for more information, call LaShawn Griffin at 734-482-1455 or email [email protected].
Award-winning A Matter of Balance workshops are led by trained leaders in the community. The goal of the evidence-based program is to reduce fear of falling, stop the fear of falling cycle, and increase activity levels among older adults.
Participants engage in group discussion, problem-solving, skill building, and assertiveness training. Starting the third week, participants learn simple exercises to increase strength and flexibility and improve range of motion and balance. A Matter of Balance participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity and change their environment to reduce fall risk factors.
Snacks are also provided.
To learn more about A Matter of Balance, visit www.nkfm.org/matterofbalance.
