Falls are costly.  Falls are preventable.

Sure Step 1 - Begin a regular exercise program

 

Exercise is one of the most important steps to reduce
your chances of falling.  A lack of exercise leads to
weakness, which increases your risk of falling.

Exercise makes you stronger, makes you feel better, and offers many
other health benefits.  To prevent falls, exercises that improve
balance and coordination are the most helpful.

Ask your doctor or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.  Remember, restricting activity and exercise after a fall can actually increase your risk of falling.

 

Sure Steps Tip

Make your exercise program a fun social activity:

• Find an exercise buddy
• Sign up for A Matter of Balance class - it's free for Johnson County residents! Continue to scroll down this page to learn about A Matter of Balance.
  
• Find a senior fitness class at one of Johnson County's many recreation or fitness centers

 

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities.  A Matter of Balance is an award winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.

The program emphasizes practical strategies.  During 8 two-hour sessions, participants learn to:

• View falls as controllable
  
• Set goals for increasing activity
  
• Make changes to reduce fall risks at home
  
• Exercise to increase strength and balance

Video: Learn more about A Matter of Balance and the Sure Steps Project from Melissa Adams, Heritage Area Agency on Aging. 

Register for a class now

Frequently asked questions about A Matter of Balance:

Who should attend?

• Anyone concerned about falls
  
• Anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength
  
• Anyone who has fallen in the past
  
• Anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns

Who leads the classes?

• Classes are lead by two volunteer coaches from our community.  Volunteers are trained by a certified Matter of Balance Master Trainer.  In eastern Iowa, A Matter of Balance is a program of the Heritage Area Agency on Aging.
  

Is there a charge for the A Matter of Balance program?

• Classes are offered free of charge for Johnson County residents as a part of the Sure Steps Fall Prevention Project.  Registration includes all class materials, as well as the an excellent resource book, Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institutes of Health.
  

Where can I find a schudule of upcoming A Matter of Balance classes?

• Classes are posted on the Events & News page.  If your organization is interested in offering A Matter of Balance, contact SureSteps@LivableCommunity.org or call 319-930-2607.

Who do I contact to learn more about A Matter of Balance?

• For information about A Matter of Balance, contact: Melissa Adams at the Heritage Agency, melissa.adams@kirkwood.edu, 319-398-5559.

What awards has the A Matter of Balance program won?

• American Society on Aging, Healthcare and Aging Award, 2006; and, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Innovations and Achievements Award, 2006.

Are volunteer coaches needed?

• Yes!  Coaches help participants become more confident about managing falls, help to identify ways to reduce falls, and lead exercises to help increase strength and balance.  Coaches need to have:
  
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
    
  • Enthusiasm, dependability, and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults.
    
  • Ability to lead low to moderate level exercise.
    

How much training is provided for volunteer coaches?

• Coaches attend a seven-hour training session lead by a certified master trainer.  Coach training and materials are provided free of charge.  Coaches receive a certificate of completion after the training session.  Once trained, volunteers can lead Matter of Balance classes anywhere in the nation where a master trainer is available to direct the program.
  

Where can I learn more about the A Matter of Balance program?

• The A Matter of Balance Lay Leader Model has been recognized for Innovation and Quality in Healthcare and Aging by the American Society on Aging, 2006. To learn more, visit:
  

http://www.healthyagingprograms.org/content.asp?sectionid=32&ElementID=489

http://www.mmc.org/mh_body.cfm?id=432

Who do I contact to find out about upcoming volunteer coach training sessions?

• For information about becoming A Matter of Balance coach, contact: Melissa Adams at the Heritage Agency, melissa.adams@kirkwood.edu, 319-398-5559.