September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month - What Are You Doing to Prevent Falls?
September may be National Falls Prevention Awareness Month, but at Camarillo Health Care District we like to bring attention to fall prevention all year through our classes and outreach.
Our Activate Program offers one-on-one appointments with Fall Prevention Specialists who lead our award-winning BALANCEfit and POWERfit programs, as well as SMARTfit. Other Fall Prevention programming, including Bingocize, Tai Chi, Yoga and Matter of Balance, are offered as group classes with new offerings each quarter.
Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. The CDC reports that 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. age 65+ fall every year, resulting in 3 million admissions to ER. Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury and death from injury among older adults.
Our BALANCEfit, POWERfit and SMARTfit programs aim to reduce your risk of falling. Studies have shown cognitive-motor dual-task training, which is a focus of both programs, is beneficial to improving balance and executive function, therefore reducing overall fall risk. Furthermore, with the addition of resistance training in POWERfit, muscle strength improves and that can help with balance and reduce falls. When muscles are stronger, we are less likely to fall, which is a major public health concern in older adults.
BALANCEfit has been part of the District's Fall Prevention programming since 2021. This program focuses on reducing fall risks and improving cognition while progressing participants through a series of games that get more complex and challenging as you move through the levels.
A wide variety of games focus on cognitive and physical skills, some of which may be second nature, and some of which might be more challenging, especially for those with a cognitive impairment. Games are easy to learn and follow, while enhancing motor-skill learning and having fun!
The device tracks your performance and makes the games more challenging as you get better at them. An assessment evaluates physical and cognitive function, including reaction time, ability to take in information (brain), ability to process, and ability to then do the requested activity.
BALANCEfit is recommended twice a week for eight weeks, 30 minutes at a time, and there is no charge.
POWERfit adds resistance bands to your BALANCEfit workout.
POWERfit is available to those who have completed at least one BALANCEfit series. POWERfit combines additional rounds of BALANCEfit games with the use of resistance bands to help strengthen the upper body, and build on the success of the previous BALANCEfit work.
POWERfit is designed as a more independent workout, which is why it requires a previously completed BALANCEfit series.
POWERfit is recommended twice a week for at least four weeks, and can be ongoing. Donations are greatly appreciated to support the free programs.
SMARTfit is designed for a variety of populations and abilities and immerses participants in playing “easy to learn” exercise games that are very engaging, challenging and motivating.
At the end of the six-week series, you receive another assessment to compare your improvement from when you started, such as your speed, scores, and correct answers/choices.
SMARTfit is physical and cognitive training disguised as fun games that make you think while you move. It is designed to deliver preventative and rehabilitative solutions to cognitive functions as well as motor functions. Its unique approach to improving physical, cognitive and mental health is engaging, exciting and very interactive (lots of cheering from the staff!).
SMARTfit is designed for a variety of populations and abilities and immerses participants in playing “easy to learn” exercise games that are very engaging, challenging and motivating.
SMARTfit exercise machine provides brain and body training, measuring cognitive-motor abilities. The program is geared toward improving balance and reducing the risk of falls. Participants complete a baseline (starting point) assessment, and receive an individualized program with recommended training games.
OTHER FALL PREVENTION CLASSES we recommend include Tai Chi for Arthritis, Bingocize, Matter of Balance, Gentle Yoga and our Walking Group. You can register online for any of these classes.
Our Fall Prevention outreach throughout the year has included presentations at Leisure Village, Mira Vista and other senior living communities, as well as education and conversations at events, including the Camarillo Farmers' Market, 50 Plus Expo, Leisure Village Health and Wellness Fair, and more.
1. Stay active: Build leg strength and improve balance through activities like walking, yoga and Tai Chi.
2. Get your vision and hearing checked: Regular exams help maintain spatial awareness and stability.
3. Review medications: Talk to a doctor or pharmacist because certain side effects, including dizziness or drowsiness, can increase your risk of falling.
4. Fall-proof your residence: Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs, add grab bars in bathrooms and improve lighting so you can see better.
