Monday, July 7, 2008

Breathe in, breathe out....

    Well, maybe not if you are outdoors and you happen to live in the Sacramento, California region like I do.  
    Unfortunately, there are hundreds of forest fires burning in our beautiful state and the result is unsafe air due to the smut, fire particles and pollution looming in the air.   Not only is the air polluted but it's also HOT, somewhere around the undesirable 100 degree mark, compounding the polluted air by forming a unbearably hot, smokey cloud around us.  This condition reminds me of life back east in the heat, haze and humidity that I grew up in.  It was awful.  This is awful.
    So my friends, I'm sure you are asking what in the world this has to do with Fall Prevention... well, my point is how important it is to deeply breathe in clean air.  Often.  When you have it, don't take it for granted, right?  Right.
    Practice breathing in deep through your nose so your nose hairs can filter out the impurities, hold that for a second, then exhale through your mouth.  Slightly close your mouth as if playing a musical instrument (also called pursed lips), as you force the air out of your lungs, feeling your diaphram squeezing as you exhale.
    Practice this deep breathing at least 3 times a day.  You pick the times but make it a habit.  Heck, take in a deep breath whenever you remember.  Too much air isn't such a bad thing....as long as it's good air!
    Deep breathing encourages oxygen exchange at the cellular level and that oxygen is necessary for energy.  And life requires energy, especially since you are following a consistent stretching and strengthening routine.  
     My Take 5 to Exercise routines:  Flexibility, Strength 1, Posture, Strength 2, and Maintenance.  Your body will adapt to these movements designed to reduce your risk of a fall and to improve the quality of your life.   And it all starts by when you Take 5 to Exercise.
Visit www.take5toexercise.com and order your copy.

Your Fall Prevention lady.

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