YWCA of White Plains Central Westchester to Host Fall Prevention Program

In keeping with their mission to putting better health within reach of all, the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester announces StepWISEnow, a balance training and fall prevention program for older adults. A launch event for this high-quality, evidence-based program will take place on Thursday, April 7, from 9:00 -10:30 am. It will be held at the YWCA, located at 515 North Street, White Plains. CEO, Maria L. Imperial will welcome Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who will open the morning program. The event is free to the public. There is plenty of parking. Seating is limited.

A panel of experts will share their expertise on the different ways in which falls can occur, available services and treatment should an elder take a fall. The panelists include: Corrado P. Marini, MD, FACS, Chief and Director of the Westchester Medical Center (WMC) Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, Acute Care Surgery; Kathy V. Aronow, RN, MSN, Adult Trauma Program Manager at WMC; Mario Nelson, MD, Medical Director at WMC Health Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine; Molly Roffman, PT, MA, CEEAA Director at StepWISEnow Balance Training & Fall Prevention; and Ann Darcy, MS, RDN, DCDN at Westchester County Department of Senior Programs & Services. Attendees will also see a demonstration of Tai Ji Quan, a method proven to improve balance, locomotion and mobility.

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for those 65 years of age and over. Every 14 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. The chance of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increases with age and is the main reason adults lose their independence.

Beginning April 11, the YWCA will offer a series of classes including Tai Ji Quan; Tai Chi for Arthritis; an 8-week session to reduce fall risks at home and exercise to increase strength and balance; and Saturday workshops. All the classes are geared for adult children and their parents or relatives who want to learn more about fall prevention.

The events sponsors include: StepWISEnow, Westchester County, Westchester Medical Center, and YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester.

For more information and to RSVP for the event, contact the Fitness & Membership Manager, Angela Katz, at 914-949-6227 ext 208 or send an email to akatz@ywcawpcw.org.