Come along to the Ashburton Library next month for a free, fun, informative session on preventing falls and the causes of falls as you get older.

The April Falls Expo on Tuesday 9 April is about keeping you on your feet. It will run from 10am to 1pm.

The expo is being organised by Safe Communities with support from 12 other agencies including Sport Canterbury, ACC, the Heart Foundation and Age Concern.

Safe Communities co-ordinator Lesley Symington said the expo was about preventing falls and identifying common causes of falls.

“People will be able to learn about the benefits of strength and balance classes, and where to find those classes in Ashburton, as well as learning about how to improve their strength and balance at home.”

You can also learn more about:

• What the EA Networks Centre offers older adults
• How you can improve your strength and balance with NYMBL, a free app on your smartphone
• How vision and hearing problems, some medications and alcohol can cause falls
• The importance of keeping hydrated
• St John medical alarms
• Getting to a class – Age Concern Ashburton’s Safe Driving courses and the Mid Canterbury Connector community transport service

Mrs Symington said people could also have a free balance test with Sport Canterbury, and free blood pressure checks and grip strength tests with EA Networks Centre staff.

“They can even join a demo class that is one of Age Concern’s Ashburton Steady as you Go classes. Plus there’ll be giveaways and heaps of information.”

April Falls Expo – Ashburton Library, Te Whare Whakatere, on Tuesday 9 April, 10am-1pm.