As an educator, I am surprised to find that people are not aware of how simple, consistent exercises can help prevent a fall. Throughout my interactions, I had the opportunity to talk to an elderly gentleman, Bob, who was concerned about his wife who has started to fall more often.
She trips over the dog, the dog toys, the dog bed. She slips on the throw rugs. She barely has the strength to get up and once she's up, she has difficulty staying up. I immediately asked if she does any exercises. "Oh no, she won't do any of the senior exercise videos that we have," he responded.
After I explained how basic movements, such as ankle circles, toe point and flexes, leg extensions and hamstring stretches will help reduce his wife's risk of tripping since we react to life's imbalances from the ground up, Bob had a better understanding of how to help his wife reduce her risk of falling. Flexible ankles and strong calves are the first line of defense in reducing falls. Strong legs are perhaps the most important.
I saw the light bulb over Bob's head once he realized how easy those movements were to do and how they would help his wife. He immediately purchased my Take 5 to Exercise fall risk reduction dvd series and was excited about helping his wife. Of course, the throw rugs will be picked up, the dog toys and bed will be moved but mostly, Bob is not going to do everything for his wife anymore but encourage her to use it so she doesn't lose it.
Order my Take 5 to Exercise fall prevention dvd series and see how you can help a loved one (or yourself) reduce the risk of tripping and falling. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous or painful so start with my Basic 5 stretches and you will feel better about yourself as you become aware of your body's abilities and limitations.
Spreading the word that exercise is fall prevention,
The Fall Prevention Lady
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