I was so happy to hear from Kats who was a mentor on Maui probably 10 years ago.
“Congratulations, Karen!
I was so moved and proud to hear of your expansion to Arkansas!
I always believed in your program and was happy to be a mentor and facilitator at Roselani and Pukalani, Wailuku, and Kihei lunch programs.
Being a public health nure and pediatric nurse practitioner, I wholly support your efforts.
Thank you for keeping me informed.
Kats Enoki”
Hello Karen! It was great talking with you last week. I’ve really enjoyed growing the MWB program here in Conway at out senior center! It started out with about 5 people and we now been averaging 20 or more at each class.
Our classes are fun-filled and vibrant! I enjoy the challenge to keep it interesting and retain participants. In the beginning, I composed a letter to several physicians, physical therapists and rehab facilities regarding the benefits of the MWB program. In that letter, I mentioned the visual exercises, balance and cognitive components of the class and how this has been proven to improve ones balance as well as their confidence which in turn gives them a chance to keep their independence longer. I have received numerous referrals from these physicians and physical therapists and have created a good report with all of them.
I have had several testimonials from the participants of this class. One lady said she used to have to use a magnifying glass to read her Bible every day but since doing the MWB class, she can read without it! Her opthomogist was amazed and told her to continue doing what she was doing. That was the best news! I get so excited when I hear these stories. I’ve seen people able to graduate from a walker to a cane, from a cane to walking without aid of any kind! This makes the class worthwhile and it’s amazing to see the participants improve!
Here are a few quotes from my participants.
“I really enjoy the class as well as improving my balance. Great class!”
“Love the class! Really helps my balance.”
“My son is a physical therapist and says he can see the improvement in the way I get around and move.”
These are just a few examples of the success the MWB program has been at our facility.
If anyone is considering introducing this class to their facility I have a small bit of advice for them. MAKE IT FUN!!! We laugh and talk during the class and everyone feels as if they belong to a “family”. It’s important for them to feel needed and to be a part of the class no matter what their background, physical or mental ability. This class is for any fitness level! Don’t get caught up in the logistics and expect everything to go perfectly each class time. MAKE IT FUN!!! That’s the bottom line!
Thank you for introducing and training me in this program. I totally believe in the MWB program! It’s changing lives for the better! Who wouldn’t want that?
Thank you again for creating this program!
Sherri Lachowsky
Health & Wellness Coordinator
Conway Senior Center
February 2 — “Preview” — What is Move With Balance®? Come and learn about this evidence-based, award-winning program. It’s perfect for those of you who want to improve your physical balance, prevent falls, and stimulate your brain to focus better, in a safe and fun atmosphere. We have highly skilled and loving ”mentors” who will work one-on-one with you or your loved one to enhance their well-being. This program is for seniors of all ages and abilities. A new program starts in March. Family Caregivers are invited.
February 24 — “Mentor Training”
March 10–June 2, “10 Week Sessions” (except 3/24, 4/14, 5/26),10 Fridays, 9:15–10:45AM
Department of Health, Pre-Testing March 3 and Post-Testing June 9
Kaunoa Senior Center, Maui
On November 2, 2016 the State of Maryland Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs Manager brought together the statewide network of Maryland AAAs (Area Agencies on Aging) via web-meeting to discuss pertinent policies and also to share best practices. They wanted to know more about Move With Balance®.
The Baltimore County AAA has been implementing Move With Balance® after submitting an application to utilize Older Americans Act funds (IIID) as a highest tier evidence-based program.
The webinar presenters were Karen Peterson and William Fuller of Move With Balance®, Dr. Lorrin Pang and Kristin Mills of the Maui District Health Office of the Hawaii State Department of Health, and Donna Bilz of the Baltimore County AAA.
The webinar will be available to share with all of you in a few weeks, by January 2017.
The webinar covers:
Move With Balance®: the vision, implementation, innovative activities, music, training videos, training manuals, web support;
Maui District Health Office: the evidence-based evaluation published in the Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health, current evaluations, Cost/Benefit analysis;
Baltimore County AAA: overview of Move With Balance®.
Move With Balance® at the AARP Hawaii Caregiver Conference
Saturday, October 29, 2016, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location:
Marriot Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach 650 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, Kauai’i
Hundreds of people on Kauai are helping older loved ones to live independently in their own homes. Get connected to information and resources to help you care for family or plan for the future.
Featured Workshops:
Prepare to Care and Manage Complex Change Patricia Bemis, RN
Modifying Your Home for Aging in Place Curt Kiriu, CAPS
Move With Balance® Rachelle Bachran, Public Health Educator
Legal Issues for Caregivers Michael Ratcliffe, Attorney at Law
Here the participants at an adult day care center in Portugal are joining with us for the “Gandhi Farewell”. It is a poem from Gandhi that we have been doing at the end of every Move With Balance® class for the past 10 + years. It involves call and response, plus other movements. In 2014 Bill Fuller, our musician, wrote original music for the poem, which, of course, makes the whole experience more beautiful. At the end of class, we all hold hands in a loving circle. (The song is available on this website, the movements are in our book on page 68.)
