North Bay-area health unit launches fall prevention program for seniors
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is launching a fall prevention program free of charge this month for any older adults worried about their balance.
Experts say falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults.
"Last year there was a gal here who fell in a windstorm and it blew her right off her feet and she ended up in hospital for over a week," said Maureen Bruce-Payne, North Bay Golden Age Club volunteer.
The program is called 'STAND UP!' and is made up of sessions focusing on building balance, strength and flexibility for seniors who have fallen or are fearful of doing so.
“STAND UP! started back in 2014 and was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Taylor Matson, the health unit's community health promoter.
"So during that time when it was on hold we made some updates."
In-person classes will be offered twice a week in a handful of Nipissing and Parry Sound communities. STAND UP! will also offer education on proper footwear, hearing, vision and medication.
“Trained facilitators will assess each participant on their balance at the first and less session of the program to track changes in the 12 weeks," said Matson.
Statistics Canada data shows anywhere between 20-30 per cent of seniors fall one or more times each year. Falls cause 85 per cent of seniors' injury-related hospitalizations.
The falls lead to almost all hip fractures in seniors and it's estimated that can result in about $2 billion a year spent in health care costs.
“These programs like STAND UP! promote them to stay fit and also gives them advice," said Bruce-Payne.
The health unit is looking for older adults with experience in exercise classes to become facilitators so the program can be expanded to other areas.
Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to the following agencies to learn more about the classes occurring in their communities:
- Victorian Order of Nurses North Bay: 1-800-265-5379
- East Parry Sound Community Support Services: 705-724-6028
- West Parry Sound Community Support Services: 705-746-5602
- West Nipissing Community Health Centre: 705-753-0151
- Mattawa: 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5215
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.