A monthly newsletter brought to you by Sound Generations

Staying Connected: Top stories in this newsletter

Now Available: Post and Search EF Instructor Job and Research Participation Opportunities

We are excited to announce the launch of a web page where EF Affiliates can post their announcements of available substitute and permanent EF Instructor positions anywhere in the country, and where we can share opportunities to participate in research projects!

To access this page, log in to your EF Instructor or EF Affiliate Resource Portal. Once logged in, you’ll see a link for the EnhanceFitness Instructor Job Opportunities page.

On this page, there are instructions for EF Affiliates on how to post a request by filling out a request form.

There is also a table where EF Instructors can view available job openings. These can be searched for key words such as a city name or day of the week. (Be sure to scroll the table all the way to the right to view all the information about the posting!)

Please reach out to ProjectEnhance@soundgenerations.org with any questions!

Reminder: STEADI available in EF Online Data Entry System (ODES)

As interest in falls prevention continues to grow, we would like to remind you that the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) screening tool (the 4-Stage Balance Test and the the Fall Risk Survey) is available within the Online Data Entry System (ODES) as part of the Fitness Check data entry page, and can be used as a pre-screening tool for EnhanceFitness participants. The STEADI screening tool can be turned on in your ODES account by request (email meghant@soundgenerations.org).

The STEADI tool provides a simple, evidence-based way to identify individuals who may be at increased risk of falling and can help support referrals to appropriate falls prevention interventions and resources.

If your organization is not currently using the STEADI pre-screening feature in ODES, we encourage you to explore how it can be incorporated into your participant intake and assessment processes. Using STEADI can help strengthen falls prevention efforts and support healthier aging outcomes in your community.

If you have questions about accessing or using the STEADI tool in ODES, please reach out!

Aging Is an Endurance Sport – Taking it on Together

This fall, two lifelong friends, Chris and Dave, will run nearly 40 miles over three days in Utah to promote active aging and support Project Enhance.

Most Saturdays, they hike Colorado trails, discussing family, health, caregiving, and purposeful aging. Weekdays, they support one another in their fitness journey. But their camaraderie is grounded in more than fitness.

Dave has navigated sandwich-generation caregiving involving his mom, grandma, wife, and two older mentors. Chris overcame years of undiagnosed autoimmune disease and later supported his wife as she cared for three dads.

Those experiences motivated them to care for themselves so they can continue caring for others and reduce the need for others to care for them as they age.

They chose to raise funds for Project Enhance because of their shared conviction to help older adults become more active, energized, empowered, and engaged. We will share a donation link in coming days.

Meanwhile, stay tuned for updates from the trail in your inbox and on social media – let’s all cheer them on!

Are You Exploring National Board Health Coaching Certification?

Medicare Moves Closer to Covering Health & Wellness Coaching for Board Certified Coaches

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMMS) has proposed Medicare reimbursement for Health & Wellness Coaching services under the proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The proposal recognizes certification pathways endorsed by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and would allow coaching services to be delivered in healthcare and community-based settings. While not yet final, this is an important step toward greater integration of coaching into healthcare.

This development highlights the growing recognition of health and wellness coaching as a valuable component of whole-person care, supporting individuals in achieving better health outcomes through personalized guidance, behavior change, and self-management strategies.

If you are an EW Coach or EF Instructor looking for more information and professional resources, visit nbhwc.org or contact info@nbhwc.org which offers certification information, coaching standards, research, and policy updates!

Instructor Spotlight: From Forensic Science to Fitness, Bea Faulkner’s Journey of Changing Lives

People are often surprised to learn that before becoming an EnhanceFitness Instructor, I spent more than 15 years as a forensic scientist, testifying in court as a DNA expert while helping victims and families find answers and justice. Today, I still have the privilege of changing lives, just in a different way.

Each time I walk into an EnhanceFitness class, I’m reminded that movement is about so much more than exercise. It’s about helping someone stay independent, keep up with their grandchildren, or simply feel stronger than they did yesterday.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned is to meet people where they are and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Progress isn’t measured only by reps, it lives in the smiles, laughter, and renewed confidence that fill the room.

My participants inspire me every week with their resilience, determination, and joy. They remind me that strength has no age limit and that it’s never too late to invest in your health, your independence, and your future. Being part of their journey is a true privilege.

~ Bea Faulkner 

Know Someone with AFib? They Could Help Shape Future Treatment Strategies

Please share this link with interested EF participants, where they can complete a survey to help the investigators determine their eligibility to participate: https://redcap.link/EASE-AF

Download a flyer to post at your site.

A nationwide research study funded by the American Heart Association is seeking adults with symptomatic paroxysmal AFib to participate from the comfort of their homes.

Researchers are working to better understand how increasing physical activity can improve symptoms and reduce AFib burden. Study findings could help clinicians develop more effective, patient-centered exercise recommendations for people living with AFib.

As trusted community leaders, EnhanceFitness instructors and delivery sites can play a key role by sharing the study flyer with participants, caregivers, and community partners.

✅ Conducted remotely
✅ Open nationwide to remote and in person settings
✅ Focused on helping people with AFib become more physically active

Your outreach could help connect someone with an opportunity to improve their health while contributing to important research.

Welcoming our newest EnhanceFitness instructors from CA, FL, MO and WA trained in July with EF Master Trainers Gina Casanova (AZ) and Lesley Castellanos (HI) !

Project Enhance “Recommended Reads” for July: UV Safety Month and more

July is Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) Safety Month, making it a great time to promote healthy outdoor habits for older adults. Summer also brings seasonal risks including wildfire smoke, heat, and water-related injuries, that can affect health and independence. At the same time, it’s important to remember that sunlight provides benefits, including vitamin D production, which supports bone health. The goal isn’t to avoid the outdoors altogether, but to help older adults enjoy summer safely through sun protection, air quality awareness, hydration, and smart recreation choices.

Sun Safety Facts (CDC)
Practical guidance on protecting skin and eyes from harmful UV exposure, including use of shade, protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Also explains how to use the daily UV Index to plan outdoor activities safely.
https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Health (CDC)
A concise overview of the benefits and risks of sun exposure. Highlights that UV rays help the body produce vitamin D, while excessive exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, eye disease, and premature skin aging.
https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/features/uv-radiation.html

Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Consumers (NIH Office of Dietary Supplements)
Evidence-based information on vitamin D needs across the lifespan, including recommendations for adults age 71+ (800 IU/day). Useful for balancing messages about sun protection with the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D through food, supplements, and healthy lifestyle choices.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/

Wildland Fires and Smoke Resources (EPA/AirNow)
With wildfire season underway in many regions, this resource explains how smoke affects health, why older adults are particularly vulnerable, and how to use AQI forecasts and the AirNow Fire & Smoke Map to reduce exposure.
https://www.epa.gov/air-quality/wildland-fires-and-smoke

Safety Guidelines: Wildfires and Wildfire Smoke (CDC)
Actionable recommendations for protecting health during smoky conditions, including monitoring local air quality, improving indoor air quality, and reducing outdoor exertion when smoke levels are elevated.
https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-during-a-wildfire.html

Preventing Drowning and Water-Related Injuries (CDC)
Summer recreation often means more time near water. This resource includes water safety guidance relevant across the lifespan, including life jacket use, understanding risks in natural waters, the buddy system, and avoiding alcohol during water activities.
https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html

Takeaway for ALL of us:
Healthy aging and summer safety go hand in hand. Let’s stay active outdoors while practicing sun protection, monitoring air quality during smoky conditions, staying hydrated, and using water safety precautions. And remember: sun safety doesn’t mean staying indoors all summer. Vitamin D remains important for bone and muscle health, so older adults should talk with their healthcare providers about the best ways to meet their vitamin D needs through a combination of safe sun exposure, diet, and supplementation when appropriate.

The Enhance Program Resource Portal

Expanded program resources are available to licensed EF and EW Affiliates and active EF instructors

NEW! EnhanceWellness Manual, Forms Translation (Russian) now available!

Curriculum Resources for EF Instructors and EW Coaches: Updated EF Instructor Manual (English, Spanish) and EW Coach Manual Translations (Chinese, Spanish) and EnhanceFitness + Stronger Memory Participant Activity Packet (English)

Post and Search EF Instructor Job Opportunities!

Remember: Resources are available through the EnhanceFitness Instructor and Affiliate Resource portals and EnhanceWellness Affiliate Resource portal, so be sure you’ve registered for your account if you are staff with an EF or EW Affiliate or a current EF Instructor! (EW Coach Resources are found in WellWare.)

Let us help you build your capacity to reach more people and improve lives. Join upcoming EF Trainings and EW Trainings or contact projectenhance@soundgenerations.org to schedule yours today!

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REMINDER! Pay invoices any time—day, night or weekends!

Project Enhance invoices can be paid by credit card online through a secure web portal.

The link to the payment portal is included in the email sent with each invoice and on the invoice PDF itself. You can also find it on our website under Contact Us.

Thank You for Supporting Healthy Aging in Our Communities

Thank you for supporting Project Enhance and our mission to improve health and independence for older adults and people aging with disabilities. Your partnership strengthens inclusive, active communities every day.
If you’re able, we invite you to contribute. Every gift—large or small—directly supports programs like EnhanceFitness and EnhanceWellness that help people thrive.

Click the button above to make your secure, tax-deductible gift.

With gratitude, 
Your Project Enhance Team