SENIORS: Hefty health tip

Re: Coeur d’Alene Press editorial “Fortitude in the Face of Flab,” Friday, Jan. 31. This editorial should be applied to a demographic that would greatly benefit from exercise, the senior citizen. Why? Because exercise can play a significant positive role in deterring the effects of senior citizen ground-level falls.

According to Kootenai Health, about 65% of the ground-level fall trauma cases they get are seniors. Almost all of these trauma cases require big-screw variety surgery that can be both debilitating and depressing in its after-effects. So, how can this be reduced? Answer: Take part in the federal Fit and Fall Proof (FFP) exercise program for seniors.

I am a trained FFP volunteer instructor, and a senior citizen, currently conducting these classes at the Hayden and Rathdrum Senior Centers. I can attest to both the imperative need for attendance of these classes for ALL seniors, and the positive effects of the FFP classes.

The exercises are low impact, and tailored to the individual participant’s physical abilities. They address improvement in mobility, flexibility, balance and strength. The statistical result of participation is a reduction in ground-level falls that seniors suffer.

FFP classes are free and are offered at all city senior centers in Kootenai County, and a other places outside the county. They are open to all seniors whether or not they are members of the senior center.

To find out where and when FFP classes are scheduled, call Gary Patterson, the manager of the FFP program at Panhandle Heath, at 208-415-5242.

JAMES STRONG

Hayden