Managing Concerns About Falls: A Matter of Balance Workshop Series

September 6, 2012 News

Have you turned down a chance to go out with family or friends because you were concerned about falling? Have you cut down on a favorite activity because you might fall? If so, A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is a program for you. A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in severe physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. A Matter of Balance can help people improve their quality of life and remain independent.

A Matter of Balance Program will be offered at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension office on 28 Center Street in Machias beginning on Wednesday, October 10. The class will meet for the following seven Wednesdays and run through November 28. There are two class sessions being offered- 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 1:00-3:00 p.m. The class is being taught by Deb Eckart and Deborah Gardner. The class is being sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

To register for this free offering, please call the University of Maine Cooperative Extension- Washington County office at 255- 3345 or 1-800-287-1542. Enrollment is limited to 15 participants. Deadline for enrollment is October 1. Registration is required.