In this issue:

• Falls Prevention Awareness Week

• Healthiest State Walk

• Free Articles and Videos

• Soft Trail Stroll Schedule

• About Me

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a national health campaign observed near the first day of fall to “increase awareness around falls health and injury prevention.” This year it is September 22–26, 2025

There is much you can do to prevent falls for yourself or a loved one.

Visit your healthcare providers.

Get assistance from your prmary doctor, specialists, and your pharmacist.

• Review your medications (including over-the-counter meds). Some drugs, and some drug interactions, can cause dizziness.

• Get your vision checked.

• Get your hearing checked. This is less intuitive, but hearing and balance are closely related.

• Have your feet checked once a year.

• Get a thorough exam to check for illnesses or conditions that may lead to falls.

Make your home safer.

Use a checklist to improve your home’s safety for yourself and guests.

• National Council on Aging's article "18 Steps to Fall Proofing Your Home"

• National Institute on Aging’s article “Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room”

Exercise to improve your strength and balance.

Here's where I can help!

I can develop a custom training plan to reduce your risk of falls, reduce your risk of injury, and improve your ability to get up. Whether you are 35, 65, or 95, now is the time to begin building srength and muscle.

October 1st is the 15th Annual Healthiest State Walk, an opportunity to join thousands of other Iowans statewide in walking for 30 minutes to raise awareness of the importance of physical and mental well-being in Iowa.

Workplaces, schools, organizations and cities are all encouraged to register a walk for free!

Use the Healthiest State Initiative calendar to find a walk near you. Or just head out your door and walk for 30 minutes.

In the evening, attend the 15th Annual Healthiest State Walk Celebration Event at Water Works Park. The family-friendly event will include a ceremonial walk, live music, yard games and free food (while supplies last).

I maintain a website with free fitness-related articles and videos for you. Here are several recent and classic articles you may enjoy.

To observe Falls Prevention Awareness Week, learn about “Strength Training for Fall Prevention, Protection, and Recovery“ and improve your balance with “Central Iowa Yoga in the Park 2025.“

As we approach Iowa’s Annual Healthiest State Walk, take a moment to read “7 Benefits of Walking.“

Keep going all year with the “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.“

All my videos are available on my YouTube channel. Check out my Quilters Stretches series and my playlist of exercise demos!

If you or someone you know is looking for a simple way to become more active, the Soft Trail Stroll walking series was created for you!

Our walks are typically 1.5 to 2.5 miles long. We always set a pace that accommodates everyone present. It’s a stroll! No one is left behind.

Details for each route are available by clicking the graphics below.

Optionally, if you are on Facebook, join the conversation in our Soft Trail Stroll Facebook group! This group is useful for discussing the weather forecast and meeting locations. After each stroll, it’s a good place to continue conversations and share photos.

Maybe you've noticed that some things aren't as easy as they used to be. That might be climbing the stairs, putting the heavy platter in the top cupboard, or riding your bike all day.

I can design a program for you that takes into account what you do and improves what you need, so you can succeed at what you want to do.