Most know the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) for the assistance we can provide with long-term care home and community-based services, programs and resources that are available in our 10-county district. Did you know that we also provide “Healthy Lifestyle Programs” to many of the counties in our district?

These evidence-based programs help individuals learn to take control of their lives and manage health conditions. Thanks to a network of community coaches and members of our staff, these two programs are available in a number of communities throughout our 10-county district. The AAA7 offers services in Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton Counties.

“A Matter of Balance” is an educational program that teaches practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls as controllable, set realistic goals, change their environment to reduce risk factors and increase strength and balance through exercise.

Just recently, Ohio launched “STEADY U Ohio,” a statewide collaborative falls prevention initiative to ensure that every county, every community and every Ohioan knows how they can prevent falls, one step at a time. Part of the STEADY U Ohio initiative is expanding access to “A Matter of Balance” and the AAA7 is proud to be a partner and supporter in this initiative.

The “Chronic Disease Self-Management Program,” or “Healthy U,” helps adults gain confidence in their ability to manage symptoms and understand how their health problems affect their lives. Individuals who could benefit from the program are those with long-term health challenges such as asthma, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes or other life-long conditions.

The program emphasizes the persons’ role in managing their illness and building their self-confidence so that they can be successful in adopting healthy behaviors. Participants in the class learn to deal with pain, fatigue and depression; discover ways to be more physically active; learn how to eat healthier; learn better ways to talk about their health with physicians and family; set personal goals; and find ways to relax and deal with stress.

Participants in Healthy U can represent an individual with a chronic disease, a caregiver of someone with a chronic disease, or someone who wants to learn more about healthy living.

We are excited to offer these two wonderful programs to our communities. If you would like to learn more about these classes, or are interested in attending an upcoming class in your county, please call 1-800-582-7277.

If you would like to learn more about long-term care home and community-based services that are available in your community, please call our agency at 1-800-582-7277.

Our resource center is available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options and resources. We can even schedule an in-home assessment with a nurse or social worker at no cost to discuss these options and resources in more detail.

 

Pamela K. Matura is executive director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7. For more information, call (800) 582-7277.