Have you turned down a chance to go out with family or friends because you were concerned about falling? Have you cut down on a favorite activity because you might fall? Have you restricted your normal activities of daily living because you feel unstable on your feet? Have you fallen and are concerned about falling again? If so, "A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls" is a program for you.

Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in severe physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Many older adults also experience increased isolation and depression when they limit their interactions with family and friends. A Matter of Balance can help people improve their quality of life and remain independent.

A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling, increase activity levels, and educate one on how they can remain independent. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, modify behaviors that lead to falling, and learn simple exercises to increase strength, flexibility and balance.

Mary Baudo--Healthy Attitudes is offering A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls on Mondays and Wednesdays, starting March 7 and running through March 30, at the Community Center from 9 to 10:30 a.m. There is no cost for this program. The course is progressive and regular participation is required to gain maximum strength. Sorry, no entrance after the second class date.

Please email Mary Baudo, marybaudo@msn.com , or call 207-357-3563 if you have any questions.

Please register at The Community Center in the Meadow Mall, Boothbay Harbor.