Learn to reduce falls through Extension program

Nevada Daily Mail

According to the National Council on Aging, falls among senior citizens are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries. One third of Americans age 65 or older fall each year.

These falls, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, result in more than 2.4 million injuries treated in emergency rooms each year. This includes 772,000 hospitalizations and 21,700 deaths each year.

Falling and the fear of falling, impact senior citizens in a profound way. Debilitating injuries reduce the quality of life and the fear of falling can reduce activities and social engagements, which can lead to depression and a feeling of isolation.

University of Missouri Extension regional specialists are offering "A Matter of Balance" workshops. This award-winning program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.

The class consists of eight, two-hour sessions.

The class helps participants:

* View falls and fear of falling as controllable.

* Set realistic goals for increasing activity.

* Change their environment to reduce fall risk factors.

* Promote exercise to increase strength and balance.

* Receive hands-on experience executing proper exercising form.

Any person or groups interested in hosting or attending the workshop, contact University of Missouri Extension, Vernon County, located at 100 West Cherry, Suite 2, Nevada, or call 417-448-2560.