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However, one of the most important things that can reduce your risk of falling is adding physical activity to your daily routine. For example, do exercises that mimic getting up or sitting on chairs and toilet seats. You can also do movements that strengthen your muscles and improve your balance.
can’t necessarily change these things, we can still take preventive measures to reduce the risk of falling.
How can you prevent falls?
1. Be sure your home is as safe as possible. You want your home to be well-lit so you can see your surroundings. Ensure all loose wires are put away and secure loose ends of rugs to help prevent tripping hazards. 2. Be careful getting in and out of your vehicle. Entering and exiting your car can be difficult — especially if the weather is colder and the ground is slippery. When getting in, be sure to hold on to the handle or another person and find the seat and sit down first. Then bring in each leg carefully. To exit, lift one leg out of the car and then the other; be sure you have a nice grip on your door, car handles, or another person before standing up.
Check out HopkinsMedicine. org/health/wellness-and- prevention/fall-prevention- exercises and SilverSneakers. com/blog/4-simple-exercises- to-help-seniors-prevent-falls for simple exercises that you can do daily. With colder weather upon us, it's imperative that we do everything we can to help us reduce the risk of falling. I hope you and your family will have a happy and safe November!
3. Take your time while walking. Hold
onto available handrails and focus on placing one foot flat on the ground with each step. Wear shoes with nonskid soles and clean your shoes after going outside.
All This for a Truckle of Cheese?
What Is Cheese Rolling?
During the spring, the southwest part of England hosts one of the strangest sports each year — cheese rolling. People worldwide travel to watch and participate as contestants launch themselves down a hill in pursuit of a round of cheese. But how did this sport come to be? It’s kind of a mystery. No one really knows the origins of cheese rolling. For as long as the locals can remember, the sport has always been there. Several theories attempt to explain how the sport came about. One theory states that the competition started in the 15th century, and racing down the hill was a way to establish grazing rights on the commons. Others say the game has a pagan origin, where people would throw bundles of brushwood down the hill to represent the new year once winter ends. Although its roots are unknown, locals have kept score since the 1970s and watched it gain in popularity over the years. What are the rules? Competitors begin the race at the top of Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, Gloucester, which slopes downward at an almost 90-degree angle. Then, when the master of ceremonies tells you to go, you launch
yourself down the mountain. The first person to grab the 8-pound wheel of double cream Gloucester (which has never been done before) or cross the finish line at the bottom (about 200 yards) will win the race and the cheese. You don’t need to meet any criteria or fill out any paperwork to participate. Simply arrive at the top of the hill before the race begins, and you’re all set. But participating is at your own risk: Many people suffer severe injuries because you’re going down the hill at speeds reaching 70 mph. The sport has gained many fans over the years — around 15,000 attendees come to view the spectacle annually. The media attention further spreads the interest and popularity of cheese rolling. Many YouTube channels cover the sport, and a Netflix show titled “We Are the Champions” has an episode covering the sport and how competitors train.
Can you believe all of this excitement and fame over a truckle of cheese?
2 • swbwlawfirm.com
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