Healthy Life

     The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a division of SUNY Oswego`s Office of Business and Community Relations is now accepting registrations for a six-week workshop in Lacona on falls prevention called `Six Steps to Better Balance.`

     At 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, the North Country Christian Church in Lacona will host an informational demonstration the program. "Six Steps to Better Balance" is scheduled to begin on May 21 at the church, 49 Salisbury St., and will continue through June 25. It will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. each Wednesday and will be taught by RSVP volunteers Carol Simpson and Rachel Brooks.

     This six-step approach to improving balance was developed by Betty Perkins-Carpenter, Ph.D., Senior Fitness Productions. "Dr. Betty" is a nationally renowned expert on falls prevention who has made improving balance easy for everyone. With falls the leading cause of death in people 65 and over, RSVP in partnership with the Oswego County Falls Prevention Coalition, is accepting registrations for workshops to be offered in 2014.

     The workshops cover how to help prevent falls and reduce injuries if a fall occurs. Participants will learn activities that are fun to do, such as the "Jiggle Wiggle" and "10 Martini Slump," designed to reduce not only falls, but also the fear of falling. A major component of the program is improved balance. In the words of Jack O., a resident of Springside Retirement Community, who took the course in 2013, "One of my favorite things about the program is that my daughter doesn't have to worry about me falling anymore."

     To sign up, call Carol at 343-5614. Class size is limited and a modest fee is charged to help cover class materials. Future courses are scheduled to take place throughout Oswego County.

     For more information on this and other RSVP programs, or to receive the Mature Living newsletter, call 312-2317 or email rsvp@oswego.edu. RSVP is a federal initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service and is sponsored locally by SUNY Oswego and the United Way.