San Andreas, CA…Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ falls every year? According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls are costly—in dollars and in quality of life. However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Through a gentle exercise program to increase strength and balance, a person can substantially reduce their falling, and save their life.

In recognition of National Falls Prevention Day, the Mark Twain Health Care District is hosting at the Murphys Senior Center (65 Mitchler Ave) the KICK-OFF of a new program – Stay Vertical Calaveras on Saturday, September 22 from 10 am – 12 noon, highlighting the multiple opportunities throughout Calaveras County to join a free exercise class designed to keep you up and active. Exercise demonstrations and refreshments will be available. The classes will focus on Tai Chi and Strength Training for low impact exercise to help with flexibility, balance and stability for fall prevention. Other benefits achieved from these classes are enhanced mental capacity, help with arthritis pain, and promote deep breathing.

Stay Vertical Calaveras is a new program sponsored by Mark Twain Health Care District, Your Health, Our Mission – since 1946. “Through community collaboration, we serve as the stewards of a community health system that ensures our residents have the dignity of access to care that provides high quality, professional and compassionate health care.” For more information, visit www.mthcd.org.

We are looking for more location sites to make these classes available to all the senior residents of Calaveras County. If you have space available to host a class, please contact Steve Shetzline for more information at stayverticalcalaveras@gmail.com or (209) 915-2450.