|
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:
|
 |
Active
Living
Coordinator
Regina
Health
District
2110
Hamilton
Street
Regina,
Sk.
S4P
2E3
Telephone:
(306)
766-7731
|
Description
of
Resource:
handbook,
52
pages,
coil
bound
Approximate
Cost:
$15.00
for
the
set
|
