FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Linda Grinnell, 210-533-7114

Falls are more common than strokes and can be just as serious

SAN ANTONIO, Sep. 30, 2009  Are you afraid of falling? Have you fallen down due to a lack of balance? There is good news; falls are preventable. People over 60 can improve balance, flexibility, and strength.

Physical inactivity increases the risk for falls and associated injuries in seniors. Baptist Temple will be hosting a program specifically designed to reduce the fear of falling, prevent falls, help seniors handle falls, and increase activity levels among older adults through exercises designed to increase core strength and balance.

The 8-week program, called a Matter of Balance, is designed for older adults who are living independently. Classes focus on controlling fear of falling; setting attainable goals for increasing activity; reducing factors that can cause falls; and teaching exercises that increase balance, flexibility, and strength.

A Matter of Balance begins on October 14th and runs from 9:30 to 11:30 am in the Fritz Building and includes a snack. The program is free but is limited to 12 participants so reserve a spot right away by calling 210-533-7114.

Burma Hyde and Angie Cacciola will be the program instructors. Plans are underway to train Baptist Temple church members as instructors in order to offer this program to our church and community on a regular basis

A Matter of Balance is sponsored by The Humana Insurance Group, and the Alamo Area Council of Governments, Area Agency on Aging.

###