Become fall-proof

HAYDEN - "Take a deep, deep breath, and let it out."

The direction came from Jeanne MacConnell as she led a Fit and Fall Proof fitness class Tuesday at the Hayden Senior Center.

With chairs placed in a circle, the group of about 20 exercisers followed MacConnell's instructions, balancing on one foot and then the other, with one hand on a chair for support.

"Keep going," MacConnell gently encouraged.

A statewide, free program coordinated in Idaho's five northern counties by Panhandle Health District, the aim of Fit and Fall Proof is all in the name. It's about helping seniors maintain their strength, mobility, flexibility and balance. The goal is to protect them from falls, the leading cause of accidental injury deaths among Idaho residents older than 64. Idaho emergency responders received more than 6,600 fall-related calls for the senior age group in 2011. More than 900 of those calls were in the five northern counties.

Fit and Fall Proof is an Idaho-grown program, developed in 2004 by two college professors at the request of the state's Department of Health and Welfare. The classes have been popular throughout the state since they were first offered in 2005.

"We have close to 1,200 participants each year," said Lisa Gardom, coordinator of the program for Panhandle Health District in North Idaho.

Most who attend the classes each year have done so previously. They see about 100 new exercisers annually, Gardom said.

The classes, led by trained volunteers like MacConnell, are offered at 19 sites throughout North Idaho including churches, senior centers, community centers, fire stations and other venues. Each class meets at least twice a week for 45-60 minutes.

MacConnell said the group at the Hayden Senior Center is diverse, with a mix of older and younger seniors at varying levels of exercise skill.

In addition to the balancing, the fitness class participants use exercise bands to provide resistance for strength-building in the arms.

"Anyone can do this, even someone in a wheelchair," MacConnell said.

While the class's intent is to protect seniors from falling, MacConnell said it can also be a big help if someone does fall.

"To roll over, you need your arm muscles," she said. "You also need the strength to then pull yourself up."

There's a social aspect to Fit and Fall as well, MacConnell said. It provides a healthy opportunity for seniors to interact with others. Participants bond, she said.

"They pray for each other. It's beautiful," MacConnell said.

For information, or to find a class, contact Gardom at 415-5242 or lgardom@ phd1.idaho.gov.