Coronavirus: Daily Routine to Stay Healthy at Home Tip #1: GARGLE!

We're in a national emergency situation.  Everyone is confined to their homes to avoid potential contact.  Everything is shut down.  Well, the gym is closed and for some, that's everything!  People are stuck inside; lifestyles are changed instantly.

There is an over-abundance of information about the virus and how to avoid the virus that you don't know what to believe.  I've sifted through a lot of different suggestions and I'm going to suggest one neurology-based drill a day for you to do.

Nothing overwhelming; just simple drill to incorporate into your daily routine for less stress, increased immune system strengthen and overall nervous system performance.  Your body is a machine and your brain is the engine.  

Let's  keep the system running smoothly in this challenging time.  

Coronavirus Daily Routine at Home Tip #1:  GARGLE WITH WARM WATER!

 This is an upper respiratory disease. Virus can't live in warm environment.  Salt boosts immune system.  Mix the two together and gargle in the back of the throat for 30 seconds at a time, working up to 2 minutes as a first line defense.  

Standford Hospital Report also encourages drinking warm beverages, avoiding ice for all employees.

Here's why I recommend gargling with warm water for your brain:
Cranial nerve #9 is activated by back of throat gargling action.
Cranial nerve #10 is activated because it's close and neurons that wire together fire together.

The Vagus nerve is Cranial nerve 10.  The vagus nerve is responsible for the lungs, the diaphragm (your breathing muscle), the heart, and the gut.  Parts of the vagus nerve turn on the rest and digest hormones of the parasympathetic nervous system.   We need these to calm us down in times of stress.  

Here is a video I made for you to do the Corona Gargle Challenge; Do it and videotape yourself gargling!  I recommend having a towel or sink nearby the first time!

Are you at risk of a fall?

Hey~Are you at risk of a fall?

You know your body better than anyone and sometimes you just know.  You know when 

• "your balance isn't what it used to be"
• "you don't 'feel steady' like you used to"

Maybe you feel 'wobbly' when:

• You stand up 
• When you have to walk further than the front door

Maybe you almost tripped the other day; and a few days before that or you may be like a lot of us and just feel like you're getting older and things aren't working like they used to.  You figure you've never fallen and you're in good shape so "falling" or "falling down" is not something you need to be concerned about; that's for people your parent's age.  

Well, times have changed and no one is immune to losing her/his balance; especially when doing five things at once.   The Center for Disease Control (CDC) made a quick questionnaire for you to see if you might be at risk of accidentally losing your balance and end up on a surface lower than where you originally started (Definition of a fall, Rose, 2008).

Click below for the link to the fall risk questionnaire.  I really like this version because it not only asks important questions but also explains why something in that question may increase your risk of an accidental fall.  

GREAT INFORMATION!

CDC FALL RISK QUESTIONNAIRE

Be safe~!
The Fall Prevention Lady
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