Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1322797
By Ann Carter, Colony Aerobics Instructor/Personal Trainer How's your balance? Seriously, do you find yourself having to hold onto something more and more to keep your balance? Is stumbling a problem? (I know mine is surely not what it used to be!) The biggest problem with losing our balance and falling when we're older is that we break. Having good balance means being able to control and maintain your body's position comfortably — whether you're walking, standing, climbing stairs, or even just sitting. There are things you can do to improve your balance. If it's really bad, start by talking to your doctor. He or she may be able to get you into physical therapy (yes, that really does exist!). It's sometimes referred to as "Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy." (Now there's a mouthful!) If your balance is not that bad, try adding some of these drills into your daily routine: Stand on one foot at a time, always with a chair or counter nearby to grab onto if necessary. (One gentleman told me he tries to stand on one foot when he brushes his teeth in the morning - yikes! What if he falls?!?) • Try switching your weight from one foot to the other again utilizing the chair or counter for safety. You're doing it right if you look like a wind-up toy. • Try putting one foot in front of the other, heel to toe, like a tightrope walker for 5 to 10 steps. If that's easy, go backwards! I have a REALLY hard time with these next two: • Stand facing a wall with your fingertips lightly touching the wall. Now close your eyes and count to 10, then do it without touching the wall. (Right?) • Stand on your tiptoes, lightly touching a chair or counter and count to 10. Now let go and do the same. PLEASE open your eyes or touch the counter if you start to falter; the whole point is to KEEP from falling! Other exercises: stretching, yoga, tai-chi, large muscle workouts like squats and just walking — all of them challenge your balance. Statistics show that one of three seniors will fall in a year's time. Statistics also show falls are the leading cause of disabilities among seniors. So exercise and DON'T FALL! 14 | THE COLONY NEWS | JANUARY 2021 | COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Improve Your Balance To Prevent Falling The lady above is clearly insane. Do not attempt riding a wheel on a rope at home!