NORWAY – Many senior citizens limit their physical activities due to a fear of falling and hurting themselves. Western Maine Health and Healthy Oxford Hills are joining together to offer “A Matter of Balance,” an eight-week program consisting of class discussions, exercise sessions and a video presentation that assists senior citizens in reducing their fear of falling.

The course will be held at 9 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 17, in the Harper Conference Room at Stephens Memorial Hospital. The balance course is designed to not only change attitudes about falling, but to improve participants’ strength, flexibility and endurance. The cost is $10 a person. To register, contact Libby Graffam at 743-1562, ext. 775, or e-mail [email protected].

For many older adults, falls are among the most serious health hazards they face. In addition to the physical consequences of falls, the fear of falling itself can affect the quality of life for many seniors. The fear can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

When people are afraid of falling, they often do less, and their physical condition deteriorates, making them even more susceptible to falls.

Healthy Oxford Hills is seeking additional volunteers as class facilitators to teach “A Matter of Balance” classes in other locations. A training session will be scheduled soon. No special skills are necessary.

For more information on becoming a volunteer or for other opportunities to work with Healthy Oxford Hills, contact either Libby Graffam at 743-1562, ext. 775, or [email protected] or Ken Morse at 743-1562, ext. 776, or [email protected].