Forever…in motion is a health promotion initiative that helps older adults become physically active through volunteer-led physical activity groups. The Forever…in motion Older Adult strategy is to improve and maintain the health of older adults living in the community through support, education, research, partnerships and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The strategy focuses primarily on individuals living in seniors’ congregate housing and condominiums or those that attend churches, day programs and community association programs.
Check out the Finding Balance Newsletter with some great tips to stay independent and prevent falls.
As some of you may have already noted, the premier and our Chief Medical Officer introduced a new set of Public Health Orders on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Included in this set of orders were some changes to Fitness Classes which will affect our Forever…in motion groups.
The information we shared with you last week about how class size needs to be at 8 participants or less and that we need to maintain 3 meters of physical distance still remain in effect.
The newest guideline is concerning masks. Previously we were told to wear our masks when we were entering and exiting the room, but that once we were in our ‘workout space’ we would be able to take them off. This has changed. As of Friday, November 27, 2020 all people participating in fitness classes must wear a mask during the class as well. We understand that this might make exercising difficult for some people and encourage you to have a conversation around this with your participants. If participants feel they cannot exercise safely with a mask on then they would need to understand that they cannot participate. We know that this isn’t going to be easy, but please remember that these restrictions are provincial mandates that have been put in place to keep us healthy and safe.
Here is the link to these guidelines on the Government of Saskatchewan website for more information: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/public-health-measures/public-health-orders#current-public-health-orders
And the link that refers specifically to gyms and fitness classes:
Special Notice from the FIM Team:
Hello to all of our wonderful Forever…in motion (FIM) Leaders!
It is with mixed emotions that we share news with you of some upcoming changes. As of Tuesday, December 8th, the FIM team has been redeployed to The Centre for Disease Control (CDC). This will require our regular work with the FIM program to be paused for the time being—including our Facebook live classes, Facebook posts as well as our bi-weekly emails. You will have ongoing access to the saved classes on Facebook. Also, you can still contact our faithful Brenda! She will be able to assist you with purchasing bands or DVDs or be a liaison with one of us if necessary. Brenda’s email address is brenda.chomyn@saskhealthauthority.ca.
This redeployment will allow us to assist in an area of high importance in the fight against Covid-19. We know that you are a strong and resourceful bunch so, during this time, we encourage you to stay active by taking advantage of the classes we have saved for you on Facebook or one of our FIM DVDs. We challenge you to find other ways to be active—try something new! Lastly, we ask you to continue to do your part as well in being diligent with your safety and the safety of others by following the guidelines set out by The Province of Saskatchewan and The Saskatchewan Health Authority.
With all that being said, today’s article will be our last for the foreseeable future. It is focused on Winter Walking and how to stay safe while remaining active outdoors during the winter months. We hope you have enjoyed our ongoing articles and hope you found some useful tidbits of information.
Stay active, safe and well! Until we meet again…MAKE US PROUD!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Willison, Kereen Lazurko, Kim Nicholls, Sabrina Logan (Recreation Therapists) and Brenda Chomyn (Administrative Assistant)
Community Older Adult – Forever…in motion team
Community Health Centre at Market Mall – Saskatoon
Saskatchewan Health Authority | 306-844-4080
The Community Program Screening Questionaire is provided to display at the entrance of your class and/or facility to ensure it is safe to enter and participate in or lead the exercise group, prior to the start of every class. These posters are available to copy and post: physical distancing and proper hand washing techniques.
November was Fall Prevention Month. This seems appropriate considering slippery conditions usually start in November. What have you done to reduce your risk of a fall? De-cluttering? Making sure your sidewalks are clear for yourself and your visitors? Being physically active and working on your balance? The following will give you a better understanding of what is involved in improving our balance, and some exercises to practice at home to help you stay on your feet.
Balance and Fall Prevention
FIM-Level 1 Exercises
Reaction Time Exercises
Test Your Knowledge on Fall Prevention
BUT… if you do fall, let’s review how to get up from a fall and some precautionary measures you can have in place to make sure you are safe. You can also click on the following YouTube link for a 10 min video on “How to get up from the floor (after a fall) – MacGyver style!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ETgQD8QhZs.
Check out the information about low blood pressure or Orthostatic Hypotension, a condition that may increase the risk for falling and how you can manage this condition.
In the previous FIM Weekly Email they talked about the importance of getting stronger and working on your balance, your risk factors and how you can reduce your risk of having a fall. Check out the ‘Tips to Get Active’ and a ‘Fall Prevention Wordsearch’
Promoting physical activity to the older adult community is a key strategy of Forever…in motion. As our older adult population increases so does the impact on our healthcare system. One of the greatest health risks for older adults is sedentary living (World Health Organization, 1997).
