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In an effort to
draw awareness to the risk of falls for older Vermonters, the NEKCOA is working
with area and state agencies to promote several events taking place across the
NEK that offer free screenings, helpful tips, and exercises for fall
prevention. It is estimated that one in four older adults falls each year. The
events coincide with September as National Falls Prevention Month and September
23rd as National Falls Prevention Day.
“Falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments,
evidence-based falls prevention programs like our Arthritis Foundation Exercise
Program (AFEP), and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among older
Vermonters can be substantially reduced,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive
Director of the NEK Council on Aging.
Four fall prevention events are planned:
September 19th at the St. Johnsbury House from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
with Physical Therapist, Mike Matteis from NVRH. Jenny Patoine will also be demonstrating Fall
Prevention Tai Chi at this event.
September 24th at the North Country Hospital Wellness Center from 1
– 2:30 p.m. with Physical Therapist Heidi Laramee.
September 25th at the Darling Inn from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. with Mike
Matteis at Lyndon Terrace from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Mike, Heidi, and Gary Chester from
SASH for their help in coordinating these important events,” said Karen Budde,
RSVP Coordinator at the NEKCOA. “So many
of our older friends and neighbors have a fear of falling and we are working
hard to draw attention to simple steps they can take to assess their current
living environments, keep moving, and increase their confidence by growing
stronger.”
The Council will also kick off the eight week award-winning fall prevention
class A Matter of Balance
on
September 25th. The class is
held every Wednesday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the United Community Church in St.
Johnsbury. The program emphasizes
practical strategies to manage falls and increase activity levels. For information, contact Karen Budde at (802)
751-0431.
A full list of statewide fall prevention events can be located on the Stay
Steady Vermont section of the VT Falls Free Coalition website www.fallsfreevermont.org/stay-steady-vermont.php.
Hours: 8:00 - 4:00
Appointments are Recommended
481 Summer St., Suite 101
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone (802) 748-5182
Fax (802) 473-4998
Hours: 8:00 - 4:00
By Appointment Only
Derby Time Square
5452 US Route 5, Suite A
Newport, VT 05855
Phone (802) 334-2190
Fax (802) 334-3389