A matter of balance classes Thursdays, Aug. 5-Sept. 23 at Northside Community Center

Do you have concerns about falling? A matter of balance class will be held from 2- 4 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 5-Sept. 23, at the Northside Community Center, 1450 Garfield St.

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities, according to organizers. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.

John Fuller, human development and family sciences specialist for the Butler County University Extension Office, will teach the series of classes.

“Each week builds on the next, “ Fuller said. “We talk about concerns when it comes to falls, how to reduce the chances of falling, how to get up if you fall, and why we fall sometimes.”

The program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls.

“The class is filled with activities and exercise,” Fuller said. “Not only will they learn from the class. They learn from each other as they share experiences. Some will be similar and some will be different. We want people to retain their independence by preventing falls. People can be empowered to have more control of their lives.”

The class is designed for attendees to learn to view falls as controllable. Participants will learn to set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and how to exercise to increase strength and balance.

Fuller explained those who should attend are concerned about falls, interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength, anyone who has fallen in the past and anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns.

For additional information, call 573-686-8064. Donations for each class are $5.