LAGUNA HONDA HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS INC

Fall prevention: vivalon is supporting its falls prevention program. Launched last year, the program offers two distinct evidence-based series of classes 'bingocize and matter of balance. Both programs are approved by the administration for community living/national council on aging (acl/ncoa) and combine fun and social engagement with health education and exercise. The curriculum includes group discussions, mutual problem solving, role-play activities, exercise training, assertiveness training, and a few homework assignments. Participants learn about the importance of exercise in preventing falls and practice exercises to improve strength, coordination, and balance. Participants also conduct a home safety evaluation and learn to get up and down safely. Additional topics include home safety, assertiveness, developing positive strategies for change, reducing barriers to exercise, identifying physical risk factors for falls, personal action planners, recognizing misconceptions about falls, and moving from self-defeating to self-motivating thoughts.