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Positive
Steps - Fall Prevention and Exercise Program
A
joint project of the Regina Health District,
the Paul Schwann Applied Health and Research
Centre (University of Regina) and Farm Credit
Corporation
Falls account for 56% of accidental deaths in
Canada in 1989, and falls are a contributing
factor in 40% of nursing home admissions. (Source:
Saskatchewan Health, 1999)
It has been estimated that up to 80% of falls
can be prevented. Simple changes in and around
the home, as well as changes to the way we do
our day to day activities can greatly reduce
our risk of falling. In addition, regular exercise
will keep muscles strong, improving balance,
co-ordination and mobility, while reducing the
risk of serious injury if a fall does occur.
The Positive Steps program consists of a handbook
and an accompanying video. The Positive Steps
program looks at fall risk, and gives the tools
needed to lower that risk. The exercises found
in the handbook and on the video can be done
alone or as small groups.
The first part of the handbook looks
at some common causes of falls and gives ideas
on how to eliminate or minimize risks. Areas
looked at include:
- Personal
Risks
- Situational
Risks (indoor)
- Situational
Risks (outdoor)
- Behaviours
Which Increase Risk
- Attitudes
and Beliefs
Three
Steps to Preventing Falls (adapted to reflect
the role a direct support worker) are:
- Be
aware - Look around. Learn to recognize risks.
Anticipate where problems might occur.
- Be
Safe - Take steps to lower the risks. Remove
hazards in the home, centres (and elsewhere).
Encourage people to ask for help when necessary
and try to anticipate when help may be needed.
Ensure that canes and walkers are used if
needed. Compensate for some of the physical
changes which occur in the body by (encouraging)
moving more carefully. Use the pull-out chart
at the back of this handbook as a reminder..
- Be
active - encourage and assist each individual
to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes
regular physical activity to keep muscles,
bones and joints in good health.
The
video and the second part of the handbook
deals with an exercise program. This guides
you through a series of warm-up exercises, reviews
flexibility and strength exercises shown on
the video and reviews fitness and safety information.
There are three level, (beginner, intermediate,
and advanced), each marked by a different color
band at the bottom of the television screen.
Instructions are provided on how to use the
video and handbook.
Although
for seniors the information is relevant for
any individual with poor mobility. Progressive
exercises are suitable for a wide range of
physical abilities and ages. As persons with
developmental disabilities age increased measures
need to be taken to prevent falls and subsequent
injuries.
| Available
from: |
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Active
Living Coordinator
Regina Health District
2110 Hamilton Street
Regina, Sk. S4P 2E3 Telephone: (306) 766-7731
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Description
of Resource: handbook, 52 pages, coil bound
Approximate
Cost: $15.00 for the set
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