September is Falls Prevention Month

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.