Health & Fitness
December, 2017
The Newsletter About Achieving and Maintaining Optimal Well-Being
Avoid Future Back Pain & Sports Injuries BALANCE SETTING YOU UP FOR AN INJURY?
Our balance and vestibular system gives us the ability to walk on two legs, run and be active. Our balance and vestibular system develop as we grow from a baby all the way through adulthood, and then begins to decline. Most people don’t know their balance is not optimum until they suffer a sports injury, trip and fall, or lose their balance in the shower. No matter what your age, balance affects your ability to be active. Can you do this? • Stand next to a counter, sink or chair barefoot with your hand gently grasping the counter surface. • Put one foot directly in front of the other, so that one heel is touching the opposite toes. • Gently lift your hand up, but keep it close to the counter in case you need to grab it quickly. Try to hold this for 10 seconds (only do this if you feel safe or have someone nearby to help you). • Do you wobble a lot or even lose your balance? Your balance needs work! 5 reasons for our decline in balance: 1. Changes in our vestibular system 2. Changes in muscle mass, flexibility and strength 3. Changes in eyesight 4. Diminishing reflexes 5. Previous injuries to ankle, knee, hip or spinal joints • Now try it with you eyes closed.
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