AARP hears program on fall prevention

The regular meeting of AARP Chapter No. 1419 was held at the El Campo Branch Library Wednesday, March 12.

Kim Hadley from Crossroads Health Care Center took each member's blood pressure. She does this on a monthly basis.

Following the recognition of March birthdays for Georgia Wendt and Mary Ann Mehnert, new member Mildred Smidt and visitors Christine Navarro and Lisa Franks from Crossroads Health Center were introduced to the group.

Edna Krenek then led the blessing for the noon meal.

Afterwards, Allen Collins called the meeting to order. Mehnert led the group in the pledge to the flag.

Announcements by the president were the district picnic to be held in Edna June 14 and a plant exchange to take place at the Wharton County Library at 9:30 a.m., March 28.

Collins explained an article published in the AARP newsletter concerning a trial run of the social security debit card.

After the business meeting, Lillian Hansen, program chairwoman, introduced Lisa Franka, director of marketing at Crossroads Home Health. Franka presented a program on fall prevention.

She set up a visual of blocks representing the six risk factors for falling. They are issues of balance, mobility, multiple medications, low blood pressure, sensory deficits, home hazards and lack of fitness. Since most falls occur in the home or the outside area of the home, she said people should constantly check their homes for hazards that would cause them to fall.

The next meeting will be at noon, April 9 at the El Campo Branch Library.

Those who are 50 and older are invited to bring a covered dish and join the group.