CANTON, Ohio (Aug. 15, 2017) – Aultman Trauma Services is offering a free community program called Matter of Balance to help reduce the risk of falls and increase activity levels among older adults.

Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater.

The Matter of Balance program includes eight two-hour sessions for a small group, led by a trained facilitator, to help participants view falls as controllable. Participants will learn to recognize and address many factors in their life – and lifestyle – that may be increasing their risk of falling. Through group discussion, problem-solving activities, assertiveness training, exercise and skill building, they will be empowered to take simple steps to become more active without the fear of falling.

The program is designed to benefit those who:

• Have concerns about falling.
• Have fallen in the past.
• Are interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength.
• Have restricted activities due to concerns of falling.

The program begins Sept. 7 and runs through Oct. 26. Classes are held every Thursday from 10 a.m. – noon at North Canton Medical Center, Entrance A, located at 6046 Whipple Ave. NW in North Canton. To register for this free program, please email Sheree.Nuske@aultman.com or call 330-363-5827.

The Matter of Balance program is made possible through an award from the National Association of City and County Health Officials and is co-sponsored by the Stark County Health Department.