Warmer weather and opportunities to volunteer

To the Editor;
    Spring is here and hopefully the snow will soon be a memory. Now is the time when we all get inspired to do new things, start new projects, exercise more, plant a garden, and get out and visit friends. All these are excellent ways to remain engaged and healthy.
    Like you, Maine Highlands Senior Center is starting some new spring initiatives. Along with the Charlotte White Center Thriving in Place program, we are initiating a work group to develop a plan for reducing falls in our region. We are assembling “experts” including exercise specialists, EMTs, doctors, and hopefully some of you who are just “living the life” and want to participate in a project to help your neighbors and yourself stay healthy and remain independent at home.
    Our first meeting of the work group was Monday, April 13, where we discussed the goals, what we know about how to reduce falls, what are the gaps in our region, and how to map our plan. If you missed the session, we’d love to have you at the next one. For more information, call me at 992-6822.

    Falls are one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and loss of independence for aging adults. There are many causes including some medications, balance problems, vision difficulties, weakness from chronic illness or inactivity to name a few. One thing we do know is that exercise in any form improves strength and reduces falls.
    A tried and tested program available through the Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) is called “A Matter of Balance”. There is a great need for coaches as they are the peers that help people to gain strength and confidence to stick with it.
    There is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in becoming trained in a one-day program to become a “volunteer coach” for this program in Piscataquis County. The next training is in Bangor, Thursday April 30th from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the EAAA office 450 Essex Street. There is a $50 fee but the fee is waived for current EAAA volunteers or “direct service” volunteers.
    For information call Erin Coltvet at EAAA 1-800-432-7812 ext 162.
Lesley Fernow M.D.
Dover-Foxcroft