Published: Aug. 12, 2015
A sold-out crowd was on hand for Sparrow’s Lunch with a Doctor program: “Better Bone Health: The Right Moves, Meds, and Meals for Staying Strong” on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.
The session featured Monika Mohan, M.D., M.P.H., who explained the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, a common cause of weak bones, and how hip fractures and other fall-related injuries can seriously impact older adults.
Dr. Mohan then went on to describe exercises that can improve balance and strengthen legs, hips and backs to decrease the risk of breaking a bone, especially in the spine. She also talked about simple changes that can be made around the home to lessen fall risks.
The luncheon was the kick-off session for Sparrow’s Senior Balance and Fall Prevention Series, which includes five free seminars on various topics related to this serious public health issue.
Fall-related injuries are common, especially in our senior population. The risk of falls by a loved one is a constant source of worry for mid-Michigan families. In fact, across the nation millions of older adults are treated every year in emergency departments for non-fatal falls, costing tens of billions of dollars for health care.
Sparrow is addressing this public health concern by offering the free Senior Fall Prevention Series as an educational service. Free community learning sessions are part of our mission to improve the health of the people in our communities by providing quality, compassionate care to everyone, every time.
The Senior Fall Prevention Series will inform and educate seniors and those who care for them about simple ways to reduce the risks and safeguard against tragedy. The educational sessions will feature Patient-centered, evidence-based best practices on topics including balance, exercise, nutrition, bone density, and environmental safeguards as they relate to the prevention of fall-related injuries in seniors.
As an added service to the people of the mid-Michigan region, everyone who attends the Senior Fall Prevention Series will receive a binder of resource information on Sparrow health care services to take home for future reference.
The free one-hour seminars are scheduled throughout August and September:
Hearing Loss and Fall Risks
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2 - 3 p.m.
Wimbledon Room, Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club
Good Form Walking
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2 - 3 p.m.
Wimbledon Room, Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club
Tai Chi and other Exercises for Balance
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2 - 3 p.m.
Wimbledon Room, Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club
Nutrition and Bone Density
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2 - 3 p.m.
Spartan Room, Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club
After the Fall: Recovery, Healing, and Staying Safe
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2 - 3 p.m.
Wimbledon Room, Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club
You may also register online or by calling 1.800.Sparrow (1.800.772.7769). For questions, please contact Katie Hubbard at 517.364.8146 or katie.hubbard@Sparrow.org.