Sterczyk - Balance and Your Body: How Exercise Can Help You Avoid a Fall: (A seniors home-based exercise plan to prevent falls, maintain independence, and stay in your own home longer)

Falls are the leading cause of injury, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations for seniors in North America. Every 11 seconds, an emergency room in the United States sees a senior fall victim. Falls can reduce independence and accelerate the need for long-term care. The good news is that you can reduce the risk of falling with simple exercises that anyone can easily learn. This book provides a home-based fall prevention workout that doesnt require special equipment, sweating, or getting down on the floor. The exercises improve balance, increase muscle and bone strength, and liberate joints throughout your body. Modifications are provided to make each sequence easier or more challenging.With the guidance in this book, you can:- Improve your balance, 15 to 30 seconds at a time- Learn how to engage more muscles when you sit and stand, and- Practice good walking mechanics using common household recycling items like empty paper towel tubes.The book is divided into three easy-to-follow sections: The Problem, The Solution, and The Action Plan. A dozen foundational exercises are described in detail and accompanied with illustrations. The exercises are designed to be tackled one at a time, so you can fit them into your daily life at your own leisure. By doing so, you will increase your strength, improve your posture, and boost your confidence all vital components in preventing a fall.Balance and Your Body is an effort to break the debilitating cycle of the fear of falling. Amanda provides guidance for readers based on solid scientific evidence to assist with safe and effective activities that reduce the risk of falls. Dr. Robert H. Wood, Director, School of Allied Health, Boise State University