Case - Stand Tall, Dont Fall: Improve Your Posture, Balance and Strength

Consult your physician before starting this or any other program. The exercises and information in this book are for general information only and should not be considered a substitute for the advice and information from your healthcare provider. Only your doctor can determine whether this program is appropriate for you. It is recommended to review this book with your family and physician before trying any of these exercises to determine which ones are best for you and your condition. The information in this book does not replace medical advice nor is it the authors intent to diagnose or prescribe. The information contained herein should be used with the cooperation and advice of your physician toward your mutual quest for good health.

To derive the best benefits of this program, do not mix and match the exercises contained herein with recommendations from other programs. It is imperative to carefully read and follow the directions for each exercise as explained herein to avoid injury. The exercises in this book are not for treatment purposes for a particular diagnosis, but as exercises, which have been shown to benefit some patients with various problems, such as with balance, muscle weakness, and inflexibility. As with any new exercise program, you may experience initial soreness which should dissipate in a few days. Consult your physician if the discomfort lasts beyond a reasonable time.

The author assumes no responsibility for any damages of any nature associated with the use of any information contained in this book, including, but not limited to, physical, mental, emotional, or financial damages. In addition, the author does not assume responsibility and is not liable for your physicians advice, recommendations, or prescriptions or a lack thereof.

TheraBand, the Color Pyramid Design, and Associated Colors are properties of Performance Health, and/or its subsidiaries and may be registered in the United States and other countries. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. 2016Performance Health. All rights reserved. Neither the author nor publisher are affiliated with the product or company. Consult with a physician before using any device and seek professional advice and training in the proper use.

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED to my father, who inspired me to become a physical therapist when I was as young as 10 years old. He practiced physical therapy for 63 years and recently retired. He learned the value of empathy, patience, and appreciation for helping others as he began his career treating post-polio patients. He taught me that you have to love people and always keep a drive to help others. He led by example.

Early in my teens, I followed him in hospitals and nursing homes to experience how he spent his day. He always said, You must touch a patient to understand their pain and how to heal them.

I grew up in Texarkana, Texas and have fond memories of being active with family and friends. Many days were filled with water skiing, hunting, fishing, riding horses, or just about any outdoor activity.

Over the years, my activities periodically resulted in injuries with medical attention and treatment given from my father. I had an advantage when it came to recovery because Dad was always there to offer the best advice and treatment. By being active, with an assortment of injuries, I learned firsthand the power of early intervention and proper treatment from him.

Recently, my father, now 91 years of age, fell and fractured his hip. After surgery, he spent two months in a rehabilitation facility before returning homenow with daily help. He now uses a walker or cane and attributes his successful and speedy recovery to maintaining an active lifestyle. Dad always practiced what he preached to his

patientsthe key to the fountain of youth is movement. His philosophy motivates me to keep older adults active, independent, and moving to avoid falls.

I LEARNED early on that true success in life is giving, not receiving. With that in mind, I must acknowledge and thank my family Karen, William, James, Michael and Christopher for their support and sacrifice.

A special thanks to Alicia Dunams, founder of Bestseller in a Weekend and The Book Funnel, as well as, Adryenn Ashley founder of Wow! Is Me, Inc., and marketing strategist, for their vision in helping making this book possible.

I also wanted to thank Jimmy Kryzak, professional photographer and model who assisted me in completing this book.
I acknowledge and thank models Jeannie Hughes and Susan Dotson who brought life to the exercises.
Most importantly, I want to thank my patients, who have inspired me to write this book.
Over the years, providing physical therapy to older adults not only confirmed but increased my awareness of the importance of physical activity to avoid preventable falls. This topic, while not glamorous, is crucial to maintaining overall health, the ability to live independently and slow the inevitable weakening of our bodies. My passion is to help older adults become and stay active. My goal is to provide information and tools for older adults, their families and caregivers to improve their quality of life. It is my privilege to have the opportunity to help so many people each day.

I HAVE BEEN A physical therapist since 1982 and graduated from the Physical Therapy program at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas. Over the last 20 years, I have been in private practice in Houston, Texas. As an athlete in high school and college, I learned the value of early treatment intervention for injuries.