A new exercise class at Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital (SPMH) is making a difference in the lives of participants - strengthening muscles, improving flexibility and bettering balance - all to reduce the chance of falls. It seems "Balancing Act" classes bring other benefits as well, including improved confidence and independence.

"I'm walking more strongly," said 85-year-old Phyllis Meserow of Honey Creek, Wis., who is working to gain strength and balance following three joint replacements in 2005. "I've had two hip replacements and one knee replacement," she said. Since Meserow's last surgery in September, she's relied on a walker to get around safely. "I used the walker entirely when I first started the balance class," she says. "Now around the house I walk or use a cane."

Meserow, who has effectively decreased her chance of falling, benefits also from improved strength and independence as a result of "Balancing Act."

Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among persons 65 and older, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Each year, more than 1.6 million people over the age of 65 experience falls resulting in hospitalization and death. Once a fall occurs and a person experiences injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries or severe bruising, that person tends to become less active, according to SPMH physical therapist Shelli Ness. This puts them at greater risk of falling yet again.

There are many factors that increase one's risk of falling beyond physical surroundings, according to Linda Bishop, exercise coordinator at the hospital's Wellspring Wellness Center, including: medications which cause dizziness; poor vision or multi-focal lenses; inappropriate footwear; and diseases such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Regular vision and physical exams are a critical part of reducing a person's chance of falling, she said, along with regular physical activity. "Balancing Act" can help.

The ongoing class runs this summer in seven- and five-week sessions, and is held twice weekly at SPMH's Wellspring Wellness Center. The 45-minute class engages participants in balance, flexibility and strength exercises and pre and post assessments to determine improvement. "We try to get people stronger and improve their balance," said Bishop. "It's like everything; you get better with practice."

It takes a couple of months to see results, according to Bishop. "But the class is well worth the effort. By preventing a fall, people also tend to remain independent and active longer," she said.

As a result of his efforts in class, 90-year-old Walter Argraves, of Black Earth, Wis., has gained strength and confidence. Three years ago, he suffered a stroke affecting the part of his brain that controls balance. Upon hearing of the debut of "Balancing Act", he immediately signed up, and has since improved greatly, according to his wife, Charlotte. "It takes awhile for things to happen," she said. "Now he is taking much longer steps and walking much better with the walker. His attitude and confidence have improved and we are very pleased."

While under supervision at class, Walter has improved enough to walk with a cane. "We come to balance class two times a week," said Charlotte. "I do exercises along with him and help him out. We're very encouraged about the class and I'm wanting to show him off all the time!"

The Wellspring Wellness Center works to help people increase their awareness of health and safety by acquiring the knowledge and skills to adopt and maintain positive lifestyles through educational and physical programming. The center offers memberships, personal wellness profiles, member education and training, along with a myriad of exercise programs. To find out more, or to register for "Balancing Act", call 608-643-7572 or download the registration form (pdf file requires Acrobat Reader 3.0 or higher).

(above) Linda Bishop offers suggestions to 90-year-old Walter Argraves and demonstrates ways for him to improve his stepping pattern. Since joining the class, Argraves now takes longer steps and is starting to use a cane rather than a walker, in more situations.

Balancing Act
Tuesdays, 1:15-2 pm
Thursdays, 9:45-10:30 am

June 12-July 28, 2006 (7 weeks at $32.50 for Wellspring members, $45.50 for non-members)

July 31-August 31, 2006 (5 weeks at $25 for Wellspring members, $35 for non-members)

To register, call 643-7572 or download the registration form (pdf file requires Acrobat Reader 3.0 or higher).

Prevent a fall before it happens.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends you:

• Keep stairs clutter free
• Cover stairs with tightly woven carpet
• Keep a night light on in the bathroom
• Turn a light on before stepping out of bed
• Install handrails in the bathtub and toilet area
• Use a rubber mat or non-skid strip on the bathtub or shower floor
• Avoid climbing to reach high shelves
• Don't wax floors
• Eliminate throw rugs
• Wear low-healed shoes with non-skid soles

(above) Blancing Act instructor Linda Bishop (left) begins class with strengthening exercises. Pictures using Thera-bands to work their leg muschles are Fran Bierman, Edwin Rodenschmit, and Walter and Charlotte Argraves.