Serving Our Seniors Magazine January - March 2026

Instructors Rose Butz (Serving Our Seniors) and Renee Carter (Firelands Health, Center for Coordinated Care) are certified to teach others how to prevent falls and improve your balance. Since July 2025, 19 Erie Co. residents, age 60+, graduated from a Matter of Balance training. Rose and Renee both remarked on the noticeable improvements they witnessed in the participants. One participant could not get out of the chair without using her arms to push herself up. By the end of the course, she stood up without using her arms. Renee likes to remind the group, “If you rest, you rust.” Diane Bradley, one of the participants said: “I am one who always wants to go out, do things and meet new people. The class was fun and I looked forward to it. I am concerned about falling. It was nice to know that you are not alone in having this concern.” When asked what tip she uses most, Diane said, “They told us, ‘Don’t run to get your phone. It will be there. It can wait.’ I always knew that, but since I took the course, when I hear the phone ring, I don’t rush to answer it. I really liked the Nurse Practitioner who answered our questions about bones. That was really interesting.” Judy Monaghan liked how the exercises were demonstrated and practiced. “It felt like we had our own personal trainers. My most favorite part was the opportunity to ask questions and interact with others. We learn so much from each other.” New Instructors Dr. Marsha Cooper, Carolyn Hauenstein and Rebecca Jones are now certified and will lead Matter of Balance courses. Matter of Balance will be offered throughout Erie County, if there is ample participation. Upcoming Matter of Balance Courses This program works best when everyone attends every class. Near perfect attendance is required. The maximum number of participants is 12. If fewer than eight (8) participants show up for class, the class will be canceled. • January 27, – Feb 19, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., each Tuesday and Thursday for 4 weeks at Firelands Health, 1111 Hayes Ave. – Sandusky. • March 4 - March 27, 2026 1 p.m. –3 p.m., each Wednesday and Friday for 4 weeks at Perkins Township Hall, 2610 Columbus Ave. — Perkins Township. • April 12 – June 2, 2026, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., each Tuesday for 8 weeks at Vermilion Ritter Library, Community Room A. – Vermilion. • April 14 – May 7, 2026, 1 p.m.. – 3 p.m., each Tuesday and Thursday for 4 weeks at Firelands Health, 1111 Hayes Ave. – Sandusky. • July 7–July 30, 2026, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., each Tuesday and Thursday for 4 weeks at Milan Library – Milan. • July 7-July 30, 2026, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., each Tuesday and Thursday for 4 weeks at Firelands Health, 1111 Hayes Ave. – Sandusky. Courses are in the planning stage for Castalia. Call 419-624-1856, for more information or to register. Matter of Balance Courses Improve Balance & Prevent Falls Dr. Marsha Cooper Carolyn Hauenstein Rebecca Jones October 2025 graduates 15