CANTON, Ohio (Aug. 19, 2024) – 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 increase 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. 3 and runs through Oct. 22. Classes are held every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – noon at North Canton Medical Center, Entrance A, located at 6046 Whipple Ave. NW in North Canton. Registration is required and must be completed by Aug. 29. To register for this free program or learn more, please contact Lori Leonard at lori.leonard@aultman.com or 330-363-6186.

About Aultman Health System
The Aultman Health System is a nonprofit healthcare organization serving Stark and surrounding counties. The integrated healthcare system includes Aultman Hospital, Aultman Orrville Hospital, Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, the locally managed health insurance provider AultCare, The Aultman Foundation and Aultman College. With 1,032 beds, over 1,000 active providers and a team of more than 7,000 employees, Aultman is Stark County's largest provider of healthcare services. For more information, visit www.aultman.org.