BUILD YOUR BALANCE

STAY ON YOUR FEET ® Move Improve Remove Falls Are Preventable Here are some simple, key tips for you to follow to help prevent slips, trips and falls… so that you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life. Move your body: Build your balance Strengthen your legs Improve your health: Check your medicines Keep a healthy mind Fuel your body Remove hazards: Make your home safer Check your eyesight Wear safe footwear

You can use an action plan during this session to write down tasks to complete later

What does balance feel like?

What does feeling unbalanced feel like?

Activity 1 – Part 1 Prior to completing this activity please consider your ability to balance 1.Stand up 2.Place your feet shoulder width apart 3.Slightly lean to the left and right

Activity – Part 2 Please only complete this option if you completed the previous activity with ease as this activity further challenges your balance. 1.Place feet together 2.Slightly lean to the left and the right

Why is balance important?

Do you need balance to stand up from a chair?

Do you need balance when bending over to tie your shoe?

Do you need balance when reaching for something?

All of these everyday activities include balance

What is the difference between a trip and a fall?

What do you think can affect balance?

Inner ear infections and other issues Low Blood pressure Light headedness Eyesight problems Medicines Foot problems and poorly fitting footwear Hazards in the home Muscle weakness Factors affecting balance

What can you do to reduce these factors? Who can help?

Factors affecting balance Risk FactorWho can help Inner ear infections and other issues GP Physiotherapist Low Blood pressureGP Light headednessGP Eyesight problems Optometrist Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist Medicines GP Pharmacist Foot problems and poorly fitting footwear Podiatrist GP Hazards in the homeOccupational Therapist Muscle weakness Physiotherapist Exercise Physiologist GP

Action Plan

What activities and exercise do you enjoy participating in? How often do you do them?

Please see an appropriate health professional if you have any concerns before commencing these activities. Remember to start slowly and stop straight away if you feel pain when performing these activities. Consider the risks and be cautious

Who has learnt something today that they would like to put into their life?

Your balance is important to help you complete your everyday activities safely. Your balance declines as you get older but it doesn’t have to. Improving your balance is the best way to prevent falls. Try for two hours of balance exercises every week (or 20 minutes every day) Key messages

Thank you for attending