A MATTER OF BALANCE

​

A Matter of Balance is an 8-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Check out this video from the National Council on Aging for more information about A Matter of Balance!

​

​

Tai Chi for Arthritis

​

Reduce stress while improving your balance with this low impact program. Tai Chi is a graceful form of exercise that involves a series of movements which are performed in a slow, focused manner combined with controlled breathing. It puts minimal stress on muscles and joints and has been proven to improve balance and mobility, increase flexibility, improve posture, relieve pain and stiffness, and reduce the fear of falling. To find out how Tai Chi is an effective exercise for fall prevention and find a class near you, visit Tai Chi for Health Institute.

​

 

Stay Strong Stay Healthy

​

Improve your health and quality of life with this safe, structured, and effective strength training program. This eight week program includes 16 exercise classes that meet twice weekly for one hour. Sessions are led by a team of MU Extension specialists and are designed to increase muscle strength and flexibility, strengthen bones, lift depression, and reduce the risk of heart disease.  To learn more about SSSH or to find a class near you, go to http://missourifamilies.org/sssh/.

​

​

Regional Arthritis Center Programs

​

The Walk with Ease (WWE) program is a physical activity and self-management education program. The group format is a structured six-week program that meets 2 or 3 times weekly. Groups are led by trained leaders. The program is designed to help people with arthritis better manage their pain and make walking a daily habit.

​

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), also known as Living a Healthy Life, is an effective self-management education program for people with chronic health problems. The program specifically addresses arthritis, diabetes, lung and heart disease, but teaches skills useful for managing a variety of chronic diseases. The program covers topics such as techniques to deal with problems associated with chronic disease, appropriate exercise and use of medications, nutrition, and communicating with health care providers. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders and are held once weekly for 6 weeks. 

 

For more information and to find a class near you, visit Steps to Better Health.