Free info for over 55s this week
It's an incredible statistic: after age 30, we lose 1% of our body strength each year. And, the older we get, the more we're at risk for loss of balance, and falling--often with catastrophic consequences.
Michael Ritter, physical therapist at St. Camillus, coordinates Smart Steps, an outreach education program aimed at helping
people over 55 exercise to build up strength and to maintain balance---and ultimately their independence.
Ritter is running a free falls prevention seminar in Camillus on Thursday (4pm at Preventive Medicine Associates, 5415 West Genesee St.), which will show how to prevent falls and fall-related injuries, exercise to improve balance and strength, and also ideas to make a home safer. It is free but they ask for a signup at 703-0880.
In addition, there are 8- to 10 week classes which teach strength and balance, which have free screenings before the classes start. The next is at North Syracuse Community Center (700 South Bay Road) with the free screenings on this Monday and Wednesday (July 11 and 13) 3:30 - 4:30pm, Classes every Monday & Wednesday 3:30 -4:30 starting July 18th for 8 weeks except Labor Day. Thee is another at DeWitt Library (Shoppingtown) with classes starting on Tuesday (7/12) for Tuesdays & Thursdays 2 - 3pm for 8 weeks. More information, and more upcoming classes: 703-0880.
