Designed & created by

Gavin Wright

Terms & Conditions    59 Balliol Close, Peterlee, Co.Durham, England. SR8 2NX    e-mail

A falls prevention programme has stumbled but is not down yet. The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is an initiative targeting over 80 year olds who are at risk of falling. The programme, which involves a nurse or physiotherapist visiting patients in their homes to teach a series of leg-strengthening and balance exercises, has been shown to reduce the chance of having a fall by 35%.

Some healthcare professionals have criticised the funding authority for withdrawing their support of the progrmme from the end of this year in favour of supporting modified t’ai chi programmes and other falls prevention schemes.

I cannot resist this. Long time readers will remember that I used to run caption competitions, well, I had to have a caption for this picture. Mine you will read to the left, please send your efforts in to me using the form blow the picture. Best entries will be printed in the next issue.

The winner can have a free online instructors refresher course worth £85. I’ll contact the winner via e-mail and the prize is transferable so if you win, you can nominate someone else to have the prize if you wish.

http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/news?article=a8426b8b-8404-443e-947f-a2b9c9833d19

“They say I cannot have my OEP anymore, I have to learn a martial art instead....they’ll regret that decision when I get my black belt!”