Standing tall after program

By Kath Gannaway
ONE of the fears Cheryl Buzza faced after two difficult hip replacements was falling.
For the 55-year-old whose Healesville home is surrounded by stairs it was a very real threat, which she was determined to overcome.
“I love my home, and I wasn’t going to leave it,” said Ms Buzza, who, for some time after the operations, could not get out of a chair without assistance and needed two walking sticks to get around.
Joining an exercise program at Healesville Hospital turned her life around and she has now signed up for a new program aimed specifically at preventing older people and others with mobility problems from falling.
Physiotherapist Liz Bickerton said the 15-week No Falls program, being run by the Yarra Valley Community Health Service in Healesville, was a paced program involving strength training and balance exercises aimed at reducing the risk of falls.
It is also suitable for people who have had a fall.
“One-third of people over 65 have a fall at least once a year and they can be vulnerable for lots of reasons.
“Medical conditions and medication that can affect balance, inactivity which results in loss of bone and muscle strength, changes to eye-sight and hazards around the home can all contribute to a fall.”
Ms Bickerton said any fall, even if it doesn’t result in a serious injury, can have long term consequences.
“One of those is the fear is of falling again. This can mean they stop going out and doing the things they enjoy.
“The good thing is that falls are preventable,” she said.
Ms Buzza said the confidence and strength she has gained from the professional advice, encouragement and being committed to an exercise program had already improved her chance of avoiding a fall.
“Now, with more mobility, I can stop myself from falling where previously I just had to let myself go.
“I use the stick now just for a bit of support and I can drive again,” she said.”
For information on the No Falls program phone Yarra Valley Community Health Service on 1300 130 381.