Better balance

The Department of Health and the Tai Chi for Health Institute are offering a limited number of full scholarships for their upcoming tai chi instructor workshop scheduled May 23 and 24 on Kauai. The Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Instructor Workshop is unique in that all Tai Chi movements are conducted while seated. This is a very safe program which enables seniors, who may not have the best balance, still feel comfortable taking an evidence based exercise program proven to help their overall wellness and balance. 

Falls are very serious for our Hawaii seniors. As a result of falls every year in our Hawaii, on average 110 seniors die, 1960 are hospitalized and over 8,000 per year are transported by an ambulance to an emergency room just because of a fall injury. That is almost one senior every hour resulting in over $120 million dollars in physician and hospital charges alone. 

The only qualification for the scholarship is to be employed full time with any program that works with or assists seniors and to be willing to teach the Seated Tai Chi at their place of employment. Ileina Ferrier, the Hawaii based Master Trainer, will lead the class at moving’ on 2 wellness studio. Applicants for the scholarship need to complete the application and get it in to the Department of Health. Call (808) 733-9202 for more information and an application. 

Falls affect the elderly and increase dramatically in the years after 65. 

“Fall prevention is a major concern for the Department of Health. Through fall prevention efforts, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved kupuna, the fastest growing segment of our population,” said Stan Michaels, public health educator for the Emergency Medical Services Injury Prevention Systems Branch of the DOH.

For additional information contract Rachelle Bachran, Kauai DOH 241-3564.