The Oklahoma State Department of Health Offers Workshops to Become a Tai Chi Instructor
Friday, June 23, 2017
For Release: June 23, 2017 – Cody McDonell, Office of Communications, 405-271-5601
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) will be hosting “Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance” instructor training workshops across Oklahoma. Individuals who successfully complete this two-day workshop will be qualified to lead “Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance” classes. Participants will be expected to help expand this program by teaching classes in their communities to help prevent injuries from falls, which are a growing public health problem nationally and in Oklahoma. Most fall injuries happen in predictable, preventable ways, according to OSDH officials.
Free trainings will be held in Duncan, Ponca City and Coalgate with a limited number of spots available. To enroll in a workshop, contact Avy Redus by phone at 405-271-3430 or by email at AvyD@health.ok.gov.
Falls are a threat to the health and safety of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. Every 20 minutes an older adult dies from a fall in the United States. In Oklahoma, every week, 9 older adults die and 124 are hospitalized from a fall-related injury. Acute care hospital charges alone total more than $275 million a year.
The program is an evidence-based fall prevention program for community-based organizations. This exercise program focuses on improving functional abilities, such as balance and physical function, to help reduce fall-related risks and the frequency of falls.
The OSDH offers the following tips on simple things you can do to help prevent falls:
- Exercises that improve strength, balance, and coordination are the most helpful in lowering the risk of fall???related injuries.
- The way medications work in the body can change with age. Some medications or combinations of medications can contribute to drowsiness or dizziness, which may increase the risk of falling.
- The wrong prescription eyeglasses or health conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts, limit vision and may increase the risk of falling.
- Keep floors clean and clear of clutter where people walk.
- Maintain adequate lighting throughout the home, especially near stairways.
- Remove throw rugs or use non???skid throw rugs in the home, and use non???slip mats in the bathtub or shower.
- Install handrails on both sides of stairways and grab bars in bathrooms.
- Keep items needed for regular use in easy???to???reach places that don’t require the use of a step stool.
To receive more information on classes and how to prevent falls, contact the OSDH Injury Prevention Service at (405) 271-3430 or visit http://falls.health.ok.gov.
###
Last Modified on
Jun 03, 2022
