WACO, TX — Hosted by the Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas, the Matter of Balance class is to help those become more self-aware of the way they move and prevent a visit to the emergency room.
Falls are one of the most fatal in home accidents according to the National Safety Council. Master Trainer Jaylie Beckenhauer says there is a fear of falling cycle.
"You're afraid to fall so you go out and become more home bound and as a result of that you become weaker," Beckenhauer said.
Exercise and being active help prevent falls because it will build stamina and strength in your legs and feet.
This free class is held at the South Waco Library, first class will be on Wednesday Jan. 15 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
David Gray who has been a Master Trainer for a little more than a year says he's heard many stories of others his age and older falling and even some passing away because of the severity of the fall.
"We encourage people to learn these exercises and to do them, they're sitting exercises they're standing with a chair," Gray said.
The class will come with a booklet that also has a 16 page in home checklist. This is to help you with finding like loose rugs or cords that can heighten the risk of a fall.
According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal in home injuries. Every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall and annually $2.8 million fall injuries will be treated.
For more information on the Matter of Balance class and to sign up, visit the library website. You have until the second week of classes to sign up.
