Monthly fall prevention series with Reneu Health packed a full house at Optum HealthCare Center
by Katya Lukina
LW staff
On Wednesday, July 5, over 30 residents attended the monthly fall prevention series at Optum HCC presented by Christian Valentin and Divina Degarriz from Reneu Health. According to CDC, about 36 million falls are reported annually among those 65 and older. 800,000 seniors are hospitalized annually for head injuries and hip fractures due to falls. In addition, falls are the most common cause of trauma to the brain.
Stress, anxiety and rushing can put anyone at risk for falling. Slowing down and learning how to breathe can provide a foundation as well as finding the alignment in daily movements. For example, looking straight ahead and putting feet inside the walker while using it is a good example of finding the balance and keeping the correct posture. Valentin advises taking the walker along for the ride using sensory inputs—the response in sensory organs such as eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin when they receive stimuli.
Postural alignment plays a big role in:
• Injury prevention
• Organ function
• Brain health
• Increased energy levels
• Minimal wear and tear
• Better circulation
• Optimal lung capacity
• Chronic pain prevention
• Maintenance of the muscle function. All of those variables create a positive cycle that aids in fall prevention. To improve the brain health, the powerhouse of the body, Valentin suggests standing up for a phone call, sitting straight when watching TV, and having a contact with the floor.
The attendees practiced the correct foot and knees placement while seating, and the external shoulder rotation under Valentin’s guidance. Forward and backward arm circles were also suggested as part of the posture alignment exercise.
Reneu Health offers a free 30-minute consultation to those interested in learning more about alignment and fall prevention with a sign-up sheet available at the end of each presentation that is held every first Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. in Optum HCC Large Conference Room. The next meeting is on Aug. 2.
“I found this event to be informative, helpful and very well attended, and slow enough to understand. The group was eager for more, and the evaluations are valuable.”
—Christine Bird, Mutual 5
LW residents enjoyed an interactive presentation sponsored by Reneu Health.
