|
Linda Cantrill
|
Linda Cantrill Articles
Staying Balanced
By Linda Owen Cantrill, B.S.
Balance & Mobility Specialist
When we were young, taking a fall was no big deal. We simply got up and went on our way. According to the National Institute of Health and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, falls are the leading cause of accidental injury in older adults, and the third leading cause of death among people over 65. Every year one-third to one-half of the population age 65 and over experience falls. Half will fall repeatedly and five percent of falls will lead to bone fractures. Once a person has fallen, the fear of falling again plays a significant role in their ability to continue to be physically independent.
Balance and fitness training can help prevent falls and improve our overall quality of life as we age. It is never too late to improve our balance. Loss of balance is not a "fact of life".
An important element for directing treatment and prevention is to identify the risk factors that are causing the problem. A balance assessment will address muscle strength/endurance, flexibility and joint mobility, motor ability (balance, coordination, speed, agility, power) and physical impairments. These impairments can include vision, sensory and motor function, hearing, neurological function and limited physical function due to the aging process. It is suggested that you meet with your physician to review all medications for side effects before starting a program. Balance is a very complex activity.
Tips to better your balance include but are not limited to:
- improve your cardiovascular fitness
- practice single leg standing
- join a tai chi class
- practice weight shifting side to side
- get out and walk using long strides
- improve your flexibility
- improve overall strength
- and balance and vestibular exercises.
Consult your physician before starting any new fitness program. Although a fitness instructor can give basic balance exercises, it is important that a qualified healthcare practitioner be consulted when a balance problem or falls persist. The prescribed exercises should be given to address your specific needs and be incorporated into your everyday activities.
Linda Owen Cantrill, a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, is a "FallProofTM Balance and Mobility Specialist Instructor. She teaches Balance and Mobility classes and private one-on-one instruction throughout the West Los Angeles area. Each class or individual training session is designed to address the multiple dimensions of balance, mobility and personal fitness.
For more information, please call Linda Cantrill at 310-428-2026.
Linda Owen Cantrill
Los Angeles, California
Phone: (310) 428-2026
Fax: (310) 641-6176
e-mail Linda Cantrill
Spirited BALANCE™
(310) 428-2026
Home |
Linda Cantrill Bio |
Affiliations |
Balance & Falls
Assessment & Training |
Instructors |
Articles |
Eligibility
Calendar of Events |
Recommended Products
© 2005 - 2008 Spirited Balance™ by Linda Cantrill
www.SpiritedBalance.com
|
|