Balance / Core Stability

Nursing home residents are physically frail, and possibly approaching the end of their lives. So what’s the point of exercise, especially for someone in a wheelchair?  Too often, I believe, professionals and staff in long-term care environments accept this defeatist attitude.

The Bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house with the highest injury rate in senior adults age 65 and older.  The majority of bathroom injuries are the result of falls.  Exiting the tub or shower is the most dangerous activity for all age groups since bathroom floors and fixtures are more slippery after showering.  Toileting is especially hazardous for aging adults when getting on and off the toilet.   Moving from a sit to stand position after sitting for an extended period of time can cause dizziness that results in falls.   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all adults should be aware of bathroom activities that result in the majority of injuries, especially stepping into and out of showers/tubs and standing up from or sitting on toilets.¹ 

As adults age, once simple tasks like sitting, standing, and walking can become more challenging, leading to a reduction in physical activity.  Older adults should participate in safe and effective moderate physical activities to achieve an improved quality of life.   Sadly, one-third of adults over the age of 50 lack physical activity in their daily lives. ¹   Older adults living a sedentary lifestyle have reduced strength and balance which increases risk of falling².  Senior adults, age 65 and older, are at high risk for falls with one out of three seniors falling each year.³   Daily living aids are helpful tools that will keep you safe and moving independently.   AllegroMedical.com presents five daily living aids to help you increase physical activity safely.

Back pain relief is tricky.  First there is the business of reducing or eliminating the back pain.  Then there are products to prevent the pain from coming back, and if all else fails there are aids to make daily life less painful for those living with chronic back pain. 

We watch these amazing athletes like Shaun White, Lindsey Vonn, and Bode Miller tearing up the slopes in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the next thing you know we're booking a ski vacation.  

The 2010 Winter Olympics start on February 12th and we are sure to see plenty of spills and thrills.  And though slips and falls are commonplace in the arena or on the slopes, they shouldn't happen at home.  

Goodness knows it's hard enough to keep your weight in check on any 'ol ho-hum day, let alone during the ho--ho--holidays.  Heck, I can gain a pound just looking at a slice of cheesecake.  Think about this, though.  If you put on  just 1 pound a year, what will you weigh when you're 60, 70, 80 or 90?  Mind boggling.

Boost your metabolism and keep those winter pounds at bay with these new dietary and fitness products from AllegroMedical.com.  Exercise in the comfort of your home this Fall while getting in the best shape of your life.  You'll make up the cost of a gym membership in no time with these super values, while building an amazing home gym to enjoy for years to come. 

If you are looking for something to relax you, make you feel whole, balanced, flexible and pain free, you should try yoga.  If you've done traditional exercise and got burned out or frustrated with your results, yoga may be the way to go.  Middle aged and starting to "feel your age"?  Try adding a gentle yoga stretch to your mornings and evenings and see what happens.  

So, there are those of us who get our summer exercise by dusting off the shuttlecock for an occasional game of badminton, and then there are those other freaks (oops), er, folks whose idea of exercise is training for a triathlon or marathon.  Either way, sports injuries are common among fair weather exercisers and elite athlete alike.