Food for Thought: A Matter of Balance

September 16, 2022

Have you turned down a chance to go out with family or friends because you were concerned about falling? Have you cut down on a favorite activity because you might fall? If so, A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is a program for you!

Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in severe physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Many older adults also experience increased isolation and depression when they limit their interactions with family and friends. A Matter of Balance can help people improve their quality of life and remain independent.

A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance.

UT Extension in Smith, DeKalb, and Wilson Counties are offering A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls at the Smith County Senior Center. Classes will be held on September 30, October 6, October 11, October 20, October 27, November 3, November 17, and November 21. Each session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and last about 2 hours. A workbook is provided for each participant.

Please call Mary Parker Draper at the UT Extension office in Smith County at 615-735-2900 or email mparke33@utk.edu for more information or to register.

Butterfinger Cake

½ cup butter, melted

½ cup saltine crackers, crushed

1 ½ cup graham cracker crumbs

2 cups milk

2 boxes vanilla pudding mix

1 quart vanilla ice cream

1 8 oz container Cool Whip

4 (approx. 8 oz) Butterfinger candy bars, crushed

For crust, combine melted butter, crushed saltine crackers, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix ingredients together. Reserve 1/3 cup of mixture. Press remaining mixture into a 9 x 13 inch pan.

For filling, combine milk, vanilla pudding mix, and ice cream. Mix all ingredients together and pour in crust. Chill for about 1 hour. Spread Cool Whip on top. Mix 1/3 cup crust mixture with crushed butterfingers. Sprinkle on top of Cool Whip. Keep cool until ready to serve. Submitted by Night Owls FCE Club.