On Thursday, November 14, a Vitality Day took place in Nederweert-Eind. In the Reigershorst community center, 55 participants were informed about how they can limit their risk of falling. The Vitality Day, part of Fall Prevention Nederweert, motivated the residents of Nederweert-Eind to stay fit and vital.
Fall prevention and vitality
Fall prevention
The goal of fall prevention is to reduce or prevent falls in the elderly by treating or modifying risk factors. If there is an increased risk of falling, residents are brought into contact with local specialists during Vitality Day. The Vitality Day not only helps to reduce the risk of falls, but also pays attention to other lifestyle aspects that are important as we get older. During the vitality day, various topics are discussed that can reduce the risk of falls. Did you know, for example, that loose mats can increase the risk of falls? Or that you should eat 90 to 100 grams of protein per day to maintain strong muscles? That good vision is related to your balance organ? And that healthy feet and good shoes are an important basis for standing firmly?
Specialists
Dinja Rooijakkers from EnergiQue4you gave those present information about nutrition and lifestyle. There were also presentations by Susanne Maas Praktijk Ergotherapie and InKa Podotherapie. Housing advisors Jo Gielen and Jan Weijers from Lânger Toês gave tips on how to limit the risk of falls in and around the home.
Fall risk screening
During the Vitality Day, a smart floor, the Smartfloor, was used to measure the risk of falls among those present. This floor continuously monitors the user’s balance and walking behavior, so that the risk of falls can be properly estimated. If the risk is increased, the participant can participate in ‘Falling Past Tided’, a program aimed at strengthening physical health and improving mobility.
The physio practices affiliated with the program ‘Fall Past Tense‘ are:
- JVDI The Physioclub
- Physiotherapy and manual therapy
- Physio Ospel
- Physiotherapy Land van Horne
- Fysio-Active
Contact
Vitality Days have previously taken place in Leveroy and Ospel. The municipality of Nederweert and the partners involved are determined to also organize these valuable days in the other centers of the municipality of Nederweert. If you have any questions about fall prevention, please contact exercise coach Pien de Swart. She can be reached by e-mail at pcp.de.swart@landvanhorne.nl and by telephone at 088 – 987 8919.
Vitality Day: How Not to Take a Dive!
Ah, the land of clogs and windmills! While we’re often too busy being amazed by how in sync the Dutch are with their cycling, they’re also sinking their teeth into something far more important – fall prevention. Yes, you heard it right! I’m not talking about an unfortunate slip on wet pavement after a wild Saturday night. No, I’m speaking about the recent Vitality Day held in Nederweert-Eind, where 55 aspiring seniors learned the secret arts of not becoming a human bowling pin. Hold on to your walking sticks; it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
Fall Prevention and Vitality
Fall prevention
So, what’s the big idea behind fall prevention? It’s not just a fancy term for avoiding dance-offs at weddings, but rather a serious initiative to keep our beloved seniors from meeting Mother Earth face-first. The aim is to tackle those pesky risk factors head-on. Loose mats? Who knew those lovely, albeit treacherous, carpets could be an invitation for a quick faceplant? And nutrition? Yes! You need 90 to 100 grams of protein per day to keep those muscles strong enough to fight off rogue coffee tables!
And let’s not forget about that all-important balance organ. Good vision helps ensure you don’t take a tumble over the dog you *thought* was sleeping peacefully in the corner. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t! And, of course, never underestimate the vital mix of healthy feet and good shoes. Trust me, my questionable footwear choices are still a topic of debate among my friends.
Meet the Specialists
At this fabulous event, the self-proclaimed superheroes of health donned their capes. Dinja Rooijakkers from EnergiQue4you bravely tackled the beasts of nutrition and lifestyle. Meanwhile, specialists from Ergotherapy and Podotherapy proved that they could be reliable guides, warning everyone about those lurking dangers in their own homes – think housing advisors Jo Gielen and Jan Weijers dropping truth bombs about limiting fall risks. And now you’ll really think twice before skipping the spring cleaning!
Fall Risk Screening
Excitingly, they didn’t stop at lectures! Oh no! They had the audacity to employ a smart floor – yes, you heard that right, a smart floor. This contraption was designed to monitor balance and walking behavior, essentially playing the role of a highly skeptical personal trainer for the floor-bound. Too much wobble? Sorry, mate, you’ve been flagged! But fear not, there’s a program called ‘Falling Past Tide‘ to morph you into a sturdy oak instead of a slightly tipsy twig.
Now, for those who fancy a little therapy, here’s the roster of physiotherapy establishments nestled under the ‘Falling Past Tense‘ program umbrella:
- JVDI The Physioclub
- Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy
- Physio Ospel
- Physiotherapy Land van Horne
- Fysio-Active
In the Genial Spirit of Communication
It seems Vitality Days are sprouting up like tulips across the municipality of Nederweert. So get those questions about fall prevention ready – exercise coach Pien de Swart is on standby to help you with everything from house hazards to shoe selection. Just don’t forget, if you mail her, to make sure your keyboard isn’t on the floor with your dietary protein balance!
There you have it! Remember, every time you lace up those shoes, think of this day as your silent cheerleader, urging you not to trip and faceplant into the nearest shrubbery. After all, falling isn’t an option. Let’s keep our seniors sprightly so they can keep embarrassing their grandkids with awkward dance moves at family gatherings!
How does the Smartfloor technology enhance fall risk assessments for participants at the Vitality Day?
**Interview with Pien de Swart, Exercise Coach for Fall Prevention Nederweert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Pien. Can you tell us a bit about the Vitality Day that occurred in Nederweert-Eind?
**Pien de Swart:** Absolutely! The Vitality Day on November 14 was a fantastic event aimed at educating the community about fall prevention. We had 55 participants who learned how to modify their lifestyles to minimize risks associated with falling, especially as they age.
**Editor:** That sounds important. What were some key topics discussed during the event?
**Pien de Swart:** We covered a variety of crucial topics! For instance, we highlighted how things like loose mats in the home can increase fall risks. We also discussed the importance of nutrition, specifically how consuming 90 to 100 grams of protein daily can help maintain muscle strength. Vision health plays a role in balance; it’s all interconnected. Additionally, we talked about the significance of proper footwear for stability.
**Editor:** You mentioned specialists were present. Who were they, and what insights did they provide?
**Pien de Swart:** Yes, we had several specialists join us. Dinja Rooijakkers from EnergiQue4you spoke about nutrition and overall lifestyle. We also had presentations from ergonomics and podotherapy experts, including Susanne Maas and InKa Podotherapie. They provided practical advice on how to make homes safer, helping attendees understand real-life adaptations they could implement.
**Editor:** Interesting! I heard there was also a innovative screening tool used at the event. Can you elaborate on that?
**Pien de Swart:** Certainly! We utilized a Smartfloor during the Vitality Day, which continuously monitors a person’s balance and walking patterns. This technology helps us assess their individual risk of falling more accurately. If someone was identified as having an increased fall risk, we encouraged them to join the ‘Falling Past Tide’ program for further assistance in enhancing their physical health and mobility.
**Editor:** The proactive approach to fall prevention seems quite effective. What are the future plans for Vitality Days in the region?
**Pien de Swart:** We’re very enthusiastic about it! Given the success of the sessions in Nederweert-Eind, we plan to organize similar events in other centers within the municipality. Our goal is to spread awareness and help as many residents as possible. Anyone with questions or who would like to join future events can reach out to me via email or phone.
**Editor:** Thank you, Pien! It’s wonderful to see such community efforts aimed at improving public health. We appreciate your insights and look forward to seeing more people empowered through these initiatives.
**Pien de Swart:** Thank you for having me! We’re dedicated to making sure our seniors stay safe and vital, and we’re excited about the journey ahead.