SURPRISE, ARIZ., Sept. 1, 2016 – About one-third of adults over 65 fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Research also shows that once people fall, they tend to limit their activities, which can lead to a vicious cycle of avoiding activities to prevent falling and inactivity increasing the risk of falling.
“Balance is a complex process,” exercise physiologist and balance expert Rhonda Zonoozi says. “But there are simple actions all of us can take to improve our balance and prevent fall-related injuries.”
Learn about and practice those skills at the second annual Stand Up To Falling Down event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21, at The Colonnade, 19116 Colonnade Way in Surprise.
Hosted by the Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing, this free event will include:
- Individual fall-risk screenings (Registration required. Appointments limited)
- Health professionals presenting evidence-based information on balance and fall prevention
- Tai Chi and yoga demonstrations
- Ten local service providers on hand to share information
You must register for the fall-risk screenings by calling 623-832-WELL (9355). There is a limited number of screenings open. The screening includes a four-stage balance test, a 30-second chair-stand test and a timed up-and-go test. The screenings are based on the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) tool kit, a program created by the CDC to help older adults reduce their risk of falling.
Last year’s event drew approximately 150 people and more than 60 people received a fall-risk screening. The event is being held in conjunction with the national Fall Prevention Awareness Week.
The Sun Health Center for Health and Wellbeing provides classes and individual consultations to help people improve their balance and stay on their feet. Classes include Balance and Strength Training, a Matter of Balance and the Individual Balance Assessment and Training Program. For more information, call 623-832-WELL (9355) or go to sunhealthwellbeing.org.
About Sun Health
A long-standing champion of healthy living and superior health care, Sun Health is a community-based nonprofit that provides pathways to population health through philanthropy, community wellness programs and services, and senior living communities and programs. Sun Health Community Wellness includes the Centers for Health & Wellbeing, Care Transitions, Medication Management, Memory Care Navigator, Vial of Life/File of Life, and Community Education programs. Learn more at sunhealth.org and sunhealthwellbeing.org.
